When it comes to safeguarding marine structures, durability and performance are non-negotiable. Choosing the right fender system is essential to protecting structural integrity and preventing costly damage to both vessels and structures. Duramax’s impact protection systems are engineered and manufactured in the USA to deliver superior protection in the harshest conditions, ensuring the longevity and safety of critical assets worldwide.
Solutions for Every Need
Duramax Shear Fenders
When space is limited, Duramax Shear Fenders are an ideal solution for lower-impact berthing situations. These fenders feature a simple, compact design that makes them easy to install and maintain. Protecting both vessel and structure, Duramax Shear Fenders absorb and distribute kinetic energy with a good balance between energy absorption and reaction force. Built from high-performance rubber compounds, these fenders stand up to harsh marine environments and resist UV, ozone, and saltwater. Duramax Shear Fenders are a cost-effective, reliable, and low-maintenance choice to provide impact protection for retrofits and smaller berthing areas including quay walls, jetties, or pontoons.
Duramax Buckling Column Fenders
Designed for heavy-duty berthing operations at bulk terminals, container ports, and oil and gas jetties, Duramax Buckling Column Fenders deliver high energy load absorption with low reaction force by buckling in a controlled direction, often paired with frontal frames and face pads for even load distribution. These fenders offer exceptional stability under all berthing conditions and can accommodate large tidal variations and impact angles. Constructed from UV- and corrosion-resistant materials, they provide a long service life and superior energy-to-reaction efficiency, making them the preferred choice for large vessel berthing.
Choosing the Right Fender
Whatever your impact protection needs, Duramax Infrastructure experts can help you find the right solution. Duramax’s unique understanding of rubber science has helped to develop impact protection systems that have been trusted by the marine industry to protect docks and vessels for more than 40 years. And now, Duramax has developed systems for the future, utilizing a blend of in-house material testing, independent third-party testing, and FEA modeling to design fenders for every condition.
| Feature | Shear Fender | Buckling Column Fender |
| Energy Absorption | Moderate (shear) | High (axial buckling) |
| Reaction Force | Moderate | Low |
| Design Simplicity | Very simple | More complex |
| Best for Vessel Type | Small to medium | Large vessels (tankers, cargo, cruise ships) |
| Space Requirement | Compact | Slightly more space |
| Durability | High | Very high |
| Cost | Lower | Higher initial cost, better performance |
Linerite® Batterboard
For dock facings, canal lock walls, vessel well decks, and other high-friction areas where heavy impact occurs, Duramax Linerite composite batter board material provides advanced impact protection and superior performance compared to traditional wooden timbers. Linerite is designed with an Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE) facing that is fused at the molecular level with a proprietary energy-absorbing core, providing excellent durability with reduced wear on vessels and dock structures. Custom-fabricated recessed mounting holes reduce bolt stress and prevent dangerous shearing of bolts or studs during impact. Linerite is virtually indestructible, resisting cracking, tearing, and other damage from marine organisms, oil, chemicals, and extreme weather. Linerite batter board impact protection systems are environmentally friendly, require minimal maintenance, and carry a lower life-cycle cost than other timber or batter board systems.
Duramax impact protection systems combine engineering excellence with proven reliability. Whether you need a cost-effective option for smaller berthing areas or a high-performance system for heavy-duty operations, Duramax Infrastructure delivers an American-made solution with unmatched protection and value. Visit DuramaxMarine.com to explore our product line, or call 440-834-5400 to discuss your impact protection needs with our experts.
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