Ship Launching Airbags Shock Absorption Strong Resilience Stable Support

Product Specification

Ship Launching Airbags Shock Absorption Strong Resilience Stable Support

Description

Marine Rubber Airbags are an innovative, portable, and reliable solution for launching, lifting, and transporting ships and heavy marine structures. Unlike dry docks or rail-based launching systems, they require no permanent infrastructure and can be deployed almost anywhere with minimal preparation. This makes them a cost-effective option for small to large shipyards, offshore projects, and emergency salvage operations.

Each airbag is constructed from multi-layer natural rubber and synthetic cord fabric, designed to withstand high working pressures, repeated rolling, and heavy dynamic loads. Their elasticity and high friction coefficient provide controlled movement of vessels during launching or hauling, while their cylindrical design ensures even force distribution and safe support.

Case Study
 

In 2022, a ship repair yard in Turkey used 18 Marine Rubber Airbags to haul a 7,000-ton passenger vessel onto shore for maintenance. The operation required minimal site preparation—only compacted soil and anti-slip mats beneath the airbags. Over the course of six hours, the vessel was carefully rolled onto land without hull damage. Compared with traditional dry dock docking, this method reduced operational costs by nearly 40% and avoided weeks of downtime. The successful operation proved the effectiveness of Marine Rubber Airbags as a flexible and reliable alternative to fixed facilities.

Marine Rubber Airbags are now widely recognized as a breakthrough technology in ship launching, salvage, and heavy marine engineering. They enable projects that were once considered cost-prohibitive or logistically complex to be carried out safely, efficiently, and with greater flexibility.

Specifications

Features

Exceptional Load Bearing Capacity

Marine Rubber Airbags are designed to handle enormous loads, from small 500-ton vessels to 20,000-ton or larger ships. The layered rubber-and-cord construction provides high tensile strength, ensuring that the airbags maintain structural integrity under extreme working pressures. Their superior elasticity also enables them to withstand impact and uneven stress distribution, giving them outstanding resilience during rolling or lifting operations.

Long Term Durability and Weather Resistance

The outer rubber layers are engineered for abrasion resistance, ozone resistance, and UV stability. Marine environments often involve saltwater, temperature fluctuations, and sharp debris, yet the airbags maintain their performance and integrity. With proper care, they provide a service life of more than 10 years, making them a long-term investment for shipyards and marine contractors.

Rapid Deployment and High Portability

Compared with constructing slipways or renting floating docks, Marine Rubber Airbags can be deployed quickly with minimal setup. They are lightweight, rollable, and transportable by truck or container. Within hours, a team can prepare and inflate the airbags, saving valuable project time. Their mobility also allows them to serve multiple sites, maximizing equipment utilization.

Built In Safety and Shock Absorption

The elasticity of the airbags allows them to absorb shocks during launching, preventing damage to vessel hulls and reducing stress on ground infrastructure. Friction between the airbag and hull provides stability, while controlled inflation allows operators to adjust pressure according to vessel weight and site conditions. Optional safety valves prevent over-inflation, further ensuring safe and predictable performance.

Applications

Ship Launching and Landing

Perfect for both new ship launches and pulling vessels ashore for repairs. They are suitable for fishing boats, ferries, cargo ships, and offshore platforms.

Heavy Lifting and Relocation

Used to lift, move, or position heavy industrial structures, floating docks, and large marine components onshore or offshore.

Emergency Salvage

Provide buoyancy to refloat sunken vessels or stabilize damaged ships. Their quick deployment makes them invaluable in urgent salvage scenarios.

Pipeline and Offshore Support

Assist in transporting and installing subsea pipelines or structures. Their durability and buoyancy control allow them to handle complex offshore tasks with precision.

Why Choose Hongruntong Marine?

Expertise in Engineering and Customization

With decades of experience, Hongruntong Marine provides customized airbag solutions to meet specific project requirements. Clients can select dimensions, working pressures, and reinforcement designs tailored to vessel size, operational conditions, and budget. Our R&D team applies advanced modeling and testing to ensure every airbag achieves peak performance.

Quality Manufacturing and Testing

All airbags are produced in ISO-certified facilities with premium natural rubber and high-strength synthetic cords. Automated winding and vulcanization ensure consistent quality. Each product undergoes rigorous testing—including pressure, leakage, and tensile strength checks—before delivery. This guarantees that every airbag leaving the factory is reliable and safe.

Global Market Validation

Hongruntong Marine products are trusted worldwide. From launching ferries in Southeast Asia to salvaging sunken barges in South America, our airbags have proven themselves in diverse conditions. For example, in 2021, our airbags were used in India to refloat a stranded oil tanker within 48 hours, avoiding significant environmental risks. These successful operations confirm the international reliability of our solutions.

Comprehensive Technical and After-Sales Support

Beyond supplying products, we provide detailed operation manuals, on-site training, and spare parts. Our technical experts assist customers in planning and executing complex projects, ensuring safe and efficient operations. Ongoing support includes maintenance advice, repair kits, and rapid spare-parts delivery, maximizing the lifespan and performance of every Marine Rubber Airbag.

FAQ

1. What sizes are available?
Marine Rubber Airbags are available in diameters from 0.8m to 2.5m and lengths from 5m to 24m. Customers can choose based on vessel size and project requirements.

2. How are airbags used for launching?
Place the deflated airbags evenly under the vessel hull, then gradually inflate them to lift the ship. Once the vessel is afloat, airbags can be rolled away for reuse. This process is faster and more cost-effective than traditional slipways.

3. What is the service life of the airbags?
With proper maintenance, airbags typically last 8–12 years. Maintenance includes rinsing with fresh water after use, inspecting seams and valves, and storing them deflated in a cool, dry place.

4. Are they safe for large vessels?
Yes. Our airbags are designed to safely handle vessels over 20,000 tons when used in groups. Overpressure relief valves and reinforced layers ensure predictable performance and safe operation even in heavy-duty applications.