Inflatable Marine Airbag with Large Buoyancy and Flexible Structure for Safe Slipway Operation

The Airbag Launching Ship system is a proven vessel launching solution that employs inflatable marine airbags to transfer ships from construction platforms into the water through a controlled rolling process. The technology provides an effective alternative to conventional launching methods that rely on fixed slipways, mechanical rails, or dry docks.

Hongruntong Marine manufactures marine airbags using premium natural rubber reinforced with multiple layers of high-strength synthetic tire cord fabric. The multilayer composite structure is engineered to withstand high internal pressure, repeated compression, and continuous rolling loads generated during launching operations.

A privately operated ship repair and construction yard located in Manaus, Brazil, specialized in manufacturing inland river transport vessels used throughout the Amazon basin. Following a detailed engineering assessment, Hongruntong Marine designed a customized airbag launching solution tailored to the customer's vessel specifications, riverbank conditions, and launching slope.

The first project involved launching a newly completed 3,200 DWT river cargo barge. Throughout the operation, the airbags maintained stable pressure and continuous rolling performance despite the uneven ground conditions commonly found along the riverbank. The vessel entered the water smoothly without hull distortion or structural damage.

* Other sizes can be produced following client's requirements.

• Engineered Pressure Retention Performance: Stable internal pressure is essential for safe vessel launching. Hongruntong Marine marine airbags are manufactured with precision-sealed rubber layers and reinforced structural construction to minimize pressure loss during operation.
• High Wear Resistance for Continuous Industrial Use: The specially developed rubber compound provides excellent abrasion resistance while maintaining flexibility under repeated deformation, enabling dependable performance during long-term industrial applications.
• Precision Manufacturing for Consistent Performance: Each marine airbag is produced through standardized manufacturing processes that control material preparation, reinforcement placement, vulcanization temperature, and dimensional accuracy.
• Operational Efficiency Through Modular Deployment: Marine airbags offer exceptional flexibility because individual units can be combined in different configurations according to vessel dimensions and project requirements.

• River and Inland Waterway Shipyards: Widely used by inland shipyards constructing cargo barges, passenger ferries, dredgers, and utility vessels where permanent launching facilities are limited.
• Marine Construction and Floating Equipment Manufacturing: Used to safely transfer floating cranes, pontoons, floating bridges, work platforms, and steel caissons into the water.
• Export-Oriented Shipbuilding Facilities: Enable efficient vessel launching without dependence on dedicated dry docks, helping manufacturers optimize production planning and improve facility utilization.

• Specialized Marine Manufacturing Experience: Years of manufacturing experience have enabled the company to develop products that meet the demanding mechanical and environmental requirements of vessel launching operations.
• Flexible OEM and Customized Production: Provides customized manufacturing services covering airbag diameter, effective length, reinforcement layers, pressure capacity, and end fitting configuration.
• Strict Inspection and Performance Testing: Quality assurance is integrated throughout the manufacturing process with comprehensive testing for dimensional accuracy, airtightness, pressure resistance, and structural integrity.
• Efficient Project Support and Global Supply: Supports customers throughout every stage of the project, from initial engineering consultation to manufacturing, shipment, and technical assistance.

• What factors influence the selection of marine airbag quantity?
  The required quantity depends on vessel displacement, hull dimensions, launching weight, airbag diameter, launching slope, and ground conditions.
• Can marine airbags be transported easily between different project sites?
  Yes. After deflation, marine airbags occupy relatively little storage space and can be transported conveniently by truck or container.
• What temperature range is suitable for marine airbag operation?
  Marine airbags are designed to operate under a wide range of environmental temperatures commonly encountered in shipbuilding and marine engineering.
• How often should marine airbags be inspected?
  Routine inspection is recommended before and after every launching operation to identify wear or damage early and support safe long-term operation.
• Can Hongruntong Marine assist with engineering calculations for launching projects?
  Yes. Hongruntong Marine provides technical assistance including airbag specification selection, quantity calculation, pressure recommendations, and operational guidance.