floating marine rubber airbags for ship launching and heavy air lifting bags

Shiping landing and launching air bag

Inflatable air bag can be used for vessel launching and landing, now any type of ship with a DWT below 55,000 and in a place with enough launching space can be launched using airbags. The launching slope even can be sloped upward. It has really developed into a cutting edge technology for launching ships, and especially useful for some marine emergencies.

Standard specifications of Ship rubber Airbags :
1- Diameter (D) : From 0.3m to 2.8 m.
2-Effective Length (EL) : From 3m to24m.

3-Total Length (TL) : From 5m to28m.

4-Other specification is available upon customer’s request.

Structure:

*Outer Rubber:

The outer rubber layer protects the cord layers from abrasion and other external forces. This compound has sufficient tensile and tear strength to withstand any weather condition and hard usage. Standard color is black.

*Synthetic-net-cord Layer for Reinforcement:

The reinforcement cord layers, which are made of Synthetic-tire-cord commonly used in tires, are arranged at ideal angles to hold the internal pressure and to distribute the stress evenly providing strong efficient reinforcement.

*End Fittings:

End fittings include air tightness swivel and airbags safety air inlet.

Material technical parameters:

Working pressure:

Photos

Our insights about airbag:

1) Identifying the type, size & weight of the vessel before you launch.

It is surprising that many take this step of granted. Main factors like types, sizes, vessel weight, working height (distance between the hull of the ship and ground) affects your choice of airbags. The main structure of vessel is vital in determining the placement of the inflatables too. Many fail due to the ignorance of such details as they think that airbag launching is a “one-size-fits-all” technique.

2) Type, length and number of airbags have to be chosen carefully.

There are many types of airbags. They are different in number of rubber layers, rubber quality, strength of the layers etc. The dimensions of rubber inflatables in terms of diameter, length and layers determine its lifting/bearing capacity. It is highly advisable that a weight contingency should be taken into consideration as a safety margin so that the inflatables will have a longer lifespan in the long run because they are used well within their lifting capacity. Extra airbags for mobilisation proposes should also be considered.

3) Ground structure/ slipway has to be free of sharp objects and preferably, a small degree slope.

First and foremost, a hard ground is a must to have a safe and successful launching. The suitability of the launching area must be considered and steps taken to prepare it. Although some launch their vessels on soft ground, it is not worth the risk and is not advisable. Additionally, the launchway must be free of hard & sharp objects like sharp metal plates, big stones etc. These may damage the rubber launching bags during launching.

4) Slipway Winch to provide pulling force needed.

A slipway winch is needed to hold the vessel in place (prevent it from slipping into the water) during the placement of airbags. Slope angle, weight and type of ships should be carefully considered to determine the winch capacity. A choice of electric winch or hydraulic winch also depends on the facilities of the shipyard and the aspects of its usage.

5) Determine the accessories needed for ship launching using airbags.

Accessories like pulley blocks, shackles, steel wire rope and innovative Quick Release Shackle may be needed. The types of accessories and volume depends on the situation.

6) Determine whether a slow launch or quick launch.

Some inflatable launchings are done by releasing a quick release shackle (the connection between the winch & the vessel) and the vessel is allowed to slide into the water facilitated by gravity. However, for trickier situations, a slow launch may also be practised. This is where the winch slowly releases the rope and the vessel is allowed to slide slowly. For slow launches, the balance of the ship is ensured so if at any point of time it falls out of balance, the winch will be immediately stopped and corrections can be made.

7) Rubber inflatables are versatile

Aside from ship launching and used to facilitate pulling vessels out of the water, these rubber airbag can be used to move heavy structures like caissons, floating jetties and other equipment. Moreover, it is very commonly used in marine salvage projects where it is used to float or lift. Many shipyards are pleased that aside from using these rubber airbags for their ships, they are able to use them for other purposes as well. This versatility has served them well.

8) Cost advantage due to flexibility.

Launching using rubber airbag have relatively lower costs, especially upfront investment. The most interesting aspect is its “scalability”. Many ship repair yards in Asia prefer this method as they can increase their ship repair capacity whenever they want and not be restricted by say, the dimensions of the dry docks they own.

floating marine rubber airbags for ship launching and heavy air lifting bags