Ship Launching Airbag High Strength Reusable Design Safe Launching

Hongruntong Marine Standard Launching Air Bags are the cornerstone of modern, low-cost vessel maritime operations. Engineered from high-tensile strength synthetic rubber and layered cord fabric, these bags provide a robust and flexible cushioning system for the launch of newly constructed vessels and the landing of ships for repair and maintenance. The principle is elegantly simple: a series of inflated bags are strategically positioned under the vessel's hull. As the vessel is transferred onto these bags, they deform and roll, creating a near-frictionless movement that allows the vessel to be safely guided into or out of the water with minimal ground pressure and requiring significantly less force than traditional methods. This technology is applicable to a wide range of vessels, from small fishing boats to large cargo ships up to 30,000 DWT, making shipyard operations more efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective.

A mid-sized shipyard in Vietnam was contracted to build a series of 15,000 DWT general cargo vessels. Their existing slipway was reaching the end of its operational life, and the cost of building a new synchrolift or dry dock was prohibitively expensive. The shipyard faced significant downtime and high labor costs with their conventional launching method, which involved greased ways and complex winching systems. They turned to Hongruntong for a marine air bag solution.

Hongruntong engineers conducted a detailed site survey and stability analysis for the vessel. A launch plan was developed utilizing twenty-four (24) Model HRT-1200 (2.4m diameter, 12m length) air bags arranged in three lines. The key challenge was the shipyard's limited space and a relatively steep gradient. The controlled elasticity of the air bags was critical; it allowed for a gradual, managed descent rather than a rapid slide. During the launch, the bags' pressure was meticulously monitored and adjusted in real-time to ensure even weight distribution and prevent any hull deformation. The launch was executed flawlessly. The vessel entered the water smoothly, with no structural shock or damage. The shipyard reported a 60% reduction in launch preparation time and a 45% decrease in associated labor costs compared to their old method. This success allowed them to accept more contracts without investing in new fixed infrastructure, significantly improving their competitive edge.