Marine Grade Ship Launching Balloon Shock Absorbing UV Resistant Efficient

Marine Grade Ship Launching Balloon Shock Absorbing UV Resistant Efficient

Description

Ship launching airbags are an essential piece of marine equipment for safe, efficient, and cost-effective vessel launching and handling. Constructed from multiple layers of high-strength steel wire embedded within durable synthetic rubber, these airbags combine elasticity, tensile strength, and puncture resistance to manage extreme loads during vessel launches. The outer rubber layer is abrasion-resistant, UV-resistant, and corrosion-resistant, ensuring long-term performance even in challenging marine environments.

The airbags’ low-friction surface allows vessels to slide smoothly, protecting hull coatings and structural integrity. Modular design allows flexible placement under vessels of varying shapes and sizes, providing uniform load distribution and stability during the launch process. Compared to traditional slipways and rollers, airbags reduce labor, time, and material costs while improving launch reliability.

Case Study

In 2021, a shipyard in Fujian Province faced the challenge of launching a 1,800-ton oil tanker. The shipyard’s traditional slipway was too short for a safe launch, and the limited available manpower made conventional launching methods risky. Hongruntong Marine provided eight high-capacity airbags, each 2.8 meters in diameter and 18 meters in length, specifically engineered for high-tonnage vessels.

Prior to launch, the team conducted load simulations and slope analyses to determine the optimal placement of each airbag. Working pressure was calculated at 0.19 MPa to account for the vessel’s weight and dynamic forces during the launch. Safety procedures included pressure testing, visual inspection, and pre-launch movement simulation using smaller test models.

On launch day, the airbags were positioned beneath the hull according to the planned layout. Inflation was carefully controlled using a digital monitoring system, ensuring uniform pressure distribution. As the vessel began sliding down the slipway, it moved steadily and safely into the water without any tilting or jerking. The entire launch took less than 45 minutes, significantly faster than conventional methods, and the vessel arrived in the water without damage to the hull or coating. Afterward, the airbags were deflated, inspected, and stored for reuse.

This case demonstrates the ability of Hongruntong Marine airbags to provide reliable performance for medium-to-large vessels under constrained shipyard conditions, while reducing labor requirements, material costs, and launch time.

Specifications

Features

Multi Layer Reinforced Construction
Each airbag consists of multiple layers of steel wire embedded in high-strength synthetic rubber, distributing load evenly along the hull to prevent stress concentration. The outer rubber layer provides abrasion resistance, corrosion protection, and UV resistance, maintaining performance in harsh marine environments.

Advanced Inflation Control System
Airbags are equipped with precision pressure gauges, safety relief valves, and optional automated pumping systems. These features allow real-time pressure monitoring, maintaining optimal inflation and preventing overpressure or rupture during dynamic load changes.

Low Friction Hull Protection
The specially formulated low-friction rubber reduces resistance between the hull and airbag, ensuring smooth sliding. This design minimizes the risk of scratches or structural damage to steel, aluminum, or composite hulls during launch.

Modular Design Efficient Recovery
Airbags are modular, allowing for flexible configurations tailored to vessel length and weight. After launch, they can be quickly deflated, recovered, and reused, reducing costs and improving operational efficiency for shipyards managing multiple vessels.

Applications

Shipyard Vessel Launching
Applicable to medium-to-large cargo ships, oil tankers, passenger vessels, and specialized ships. Especially useful for shipyards with limited space or steep slipways, providing smooth, controlled, and safe launches.

Dry Dock Hull Movement
Airbags enable lateral or longitudinal movement of vessels within dry docks for maintenance, repair, or assembly. The low-friction surface reduces manual effort and avoids structural damage.

Offshore Transport Assistance
Airbags provide temporary buoyancy support during transport of modular vessels or prefabricated ship sections. This reduces risk during towing, loading, and temporary mooring operations offshore.

Why Choose Hongruntong Marine

Extensive Experience Expertise
Hongruntong Marine has over 20 years of experience designing and manufacturing ship launching airbags, supplying more than 1,000 shipyards globally. Our technical team continuously improves airbag design to meet modern marine standards.

Tailored Solutions
We provide fully customized airbag configurations based on vessel type, weight, hull design, and port conditions. Our engineers design layouts and pressure specifications to maximize launch safety and efficiency.

High Quality Materials & Manufacturing
Airbags use imported synthetic rubber and high-strength steel wire, ensuring exceptional wear resistance, corrosion protection, and durability. Each airbag undergoes stringent testing for pressure endurance, tensile strength, and longevity.

Full Technical Support Training
Hongruntong Marine offers comprehensive support from design and selection to on-site installation and operational training. Clients benefit from professional guidance throughout the launch process, ensuring maximum safety and efficiency.

FAQ

1. What is the maximum vessel weight a single airbag can support?
Depending on the model, a single airbag can handle 500–3,000 tons. Multiple airbags can be combined for heavier vessels.

2. What is the expected lifespan of the airbags?
With proper maintenance, airbags typically last 8–12 years. Regular inspection for wear and airtightness is recommended.

3. Are airbags suitable for use in seawater?
Yes, the outer rubber layer resists corrosion, and the steel wire reinforcement is treated to prevent rust.

4. How many personnel are required to operate the airbags?
A typical team of 3–5 operators can handle installation, inflation, and launch. Larger vessels may require additional staff.

5. Can damaged airbags be repaired?
Minor scratches and punctures can be repaired using professional kits; severe damage requires replacement to ensure safety.

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