Trelleborg’s marine and infrastructure operation has launched a new 4-step guide to authenticating fenders. This will help designers, operators and owners of port infrastructure procure these systems more confidently, safe in the knowledge that they are investing cost-effectively in equipment that guarantees quality and reliable performance over the long-term.

Titled ‘Fending off the Fakes’, the guide highlights the importance of robust material analysis, independent third-party testing and how velocity, angle and temperature factors affect fender performance. The guide also compares best practice examples of how specifiers should expect information about the critical factors affecting fender performance to be presented.

Richard Hepworth, President at Trelleborg’s marine and infrastructure operation, said: “In the high stakes modern port environment, there’s no margin for error. That’s why effective and reliable fender systems are mission critical equipment. They have a direct impact on the safe and efficient operation of our ports, helping to improve berthing management procedures and increase vessel throughput.

“However, not all fenders are created equal. Rubber compounds are changing and new manufacturing bases are emerging, meaning testing procedures need to keep pace to ensure fender performance standards are maintained. Regulations and guidelines do exist, but how can you be sure that the product you buy is genuine? Is the test certificate enough to guarantee performance? ‘Fending off the Fakes’ provides everything you need to know to ensure that in the high stakes modern port environment, you’re procuring fender equipment you can rely on.”

To read the whitepaper, click here.