Marine Rubber Airbags Heavy Duty Strength Anti Aging Material Reliable Support
Airbag launching is a flexible and high-efficiency ship-to-water transfer technology that uses pneumatic marine airbags as the primary supporting and rolling medium beneath a vessel's hull. Instead of relying on reinforced slipways or steel-track systems, airbags provide distributed load support through controlled internal pressure, allowing vessels to be launched safely even in environments with limited infrastructure. Their multi-layer structure provides strength in both axial and circumferential directions, enabling predictable deformation as the ship transitions from land to water.
The method works by placing a series of cylindrical airbags under the hull after it is elevated using synchronized hydraulic jacks. Once the airbags are pressurized and aligned, the hull begins to move forward, rolling over the airbags while ground resistance gradually decreases until buoyancy takes over.
A representative case involved the launching of a 9,600-ton multi-purpose cargo vessel at a Southeast Asian shipyard with restricted workspace and a shallow foreshore. Traditional slipway construction would have required extensive civil engineering reinforcement, significantly increasing cost and delaying the delivery schedule. Engineers conducted simulations to evaluate airbag-based launching as an alternative.
A total of 28 airbags, each 1.8 m by 18 m, were positioned under the hull at optimized intervals. Before launching, the team performed load-distribution analysis and monitored pressure equalization to ensure that each airbag carried balanced force. During the launch, displacement sensors and pressure gauges provided real-time data on hull movement, ensuring that the vessel maintained correct alignment and acceleration.
As the ship rolled forward, airbags at the stern deformed in a controlled manner, absorbing energy and stabilizing the hull. The transition from land support to buoyant support occurred smoothly, and the vessel entered the water without lateral deviation or impact damage. The entire launching process took less than three hours, and final inspection confirmed that the hull coating and structural components remained intact.
This successful launch reduced the shipyard's cost by approximately 38% compared with slipway alternatives. The project demonstrated that airbag launching can accommodate mid-size commercial vessels without major infrastructure investment, expanding the shipyard's operational range and enabling flexible production scheduling.
Specifications
| Item |
Description |
| Place of Origin |
China |
| Brand Name |
Hongruntong Marine |
| Material |
Industrial Grade Natural Rubber |
| Diameter |
0.5m-3.0m, or as Request |
| Length |
1.0m-28.0m, or as Request |
| Working Pressure |
0.05-0.25 Mpa |
| Technics |
High Pressure, Overall Winding, Explosion-Proof |
| Use |
Ship Launching and Docking |
| Thickness |
5-13 ply |
| Standard |
Conducted by ISO14409 and GB/T1590-2006 system. |
| Accessories |
Q355/SS304/SS316, Pressure Gauge, Tee, Plug, Switch, Inflation Tube |
| Packaging |
Inner-Plastic Bag; Outer-Standard Wooden Pallets. |
| Keywords |
Airbag Launching Ship |
| Certificates |
ABS, BV, KR, LR, GL, NK, RINA, DNV, RMRS |
| MOQ |
1 |
| OEM |
Welcome |
Capacity Specifications
| Diameter |
Working Pressure |
Working Height |
Bearing Capacity KN/m |
Bearing Capacity Ton/m |
| D=1.0m |
0.14Mpa |
0.6m |
87.96 |
8.98 |
|
|
0.5m |
109.96 |
11.22 |
|
|
0.4m |
131.95 |
13.46 |
| D=1.2m |
0.12Mpa |
0.7m |
94.25 |
9.62 |
|
|
0.6m |
113.10 |
11.54 |
|
|
0.5m |
131.95 |
13.46 |
|
|
0.4m |
150.80 |
15.39 |
| D=1.5m |
0.10Mpa |
0.9m |
94.25 |
9.62 |
|
|
0.8m |
109.96 |
11.22 |
|
|
0.7m |
125.66 |
12.82 |
|
|
0.6m |
141.37 |
14.43 |
|
|
0.5m |
157.08 |
16.03 |
| D=1.8m |
0.09Mpa |
1.1m |
98.96 |
10.10 |
|
|
1.0m |
113.10 |
11.54 |
|
|
0.9m |
127.33 |
12.98 |
|
|
0.8m |
141.37 |
14.43 |
|
|
0.7m |
155.51 |
15.87 |
|
|
0.6m |
169.65 |
17.31 |
| D=2.0m |
0.08Mpa |
1.2m |
100.53 |
10.26 |
|
|
1.1m |
113.10 |
11.54 |
|
|
1.0m |
125.66 |
12.82 |
|
|
0.9m |
138.23 |
14.11 |
|
|
0.8m |
150.80 |
15.39 |
|
|
0.7m |
163.36 |
16.67 |
|
|
0.6m |
175.93 |
17.95 |
* Other size can be produced follow client's requirements.
Features
- Multi Layer Reinforcement Structure: The airbags are constructed with multiple layers of tire-cord fabric arranged in alternating orientations. This creates a high-tensile strength skeleton capable of resisting longitudinal stretching and circumferential compression. The balanced structure ensures uniform stress distribution under heavy hull loads.
- Stable Internal Pressure Performance: Specially engineered rubber compounds and high-integrity valves allow the airbags to maintain consistent pressure across long operational periods. Controlled pressure retention ensures predictable rolling dynamics and eliminates localized deformation that could compromise hull stability.
- Wear Resistant Outer Rubber: The exterior layer is formulated to resist abrasion from concrete slipways, compacted soil, and steel plates. This improved wear resistance extends service life and reduces operational downtime, even with frequent launching cycles.
- Flexible Axial Deformation: The airbags' cylindrical body is designed to deform smoothly along the axial direction, enabling stable rolling motion over uneven surfaces. This flexibility minimizes energy loss and contributes to accurate control of vessel acceleration and direction.
Applications
- Launching of Heavy Commercial Ships: Ideal for cargo vessels, offshore support ships, and large industrial barges requiring distributed load handling and smooth transfer to buoyant support.
- Hull Elevation During Construction: Shipyards use airbags to raise vessels for keel alignment, block integration, and hull inspection when drydock availability is limited.
- Movement of Heavy Industrial Structures: Airbags provide uniform support and rolling ability for relocating caissons, steel modules, bridge sections, and coastal engineering components.
Advantages
- Engineering Driven Design and Analysis: Hongruntong applies finite-element modeling, stress simulation, and pressure-response analysis to engineer airbags that deliver predictable performance in real launching conditions.
- Strict Manufacturing and Quality Control: All raw materials are traceable, and each reinforcement layer undergoes tensile testing and adhesion inspection. Finished airbags are pressure-tested to verify structural integrity.
- Customized Launching Solutions: Our technical team provides tailored launching plans, including airbag layout, pressure configuration, elevation procedures, and risk-control strategies suited to vessel type and site conditions.
- Global Technical Support and Long-Term Service: Worldwide distribution networks, on-site guidance, operational training, and post-launch evaluation ensure consistent, reliable support throughout the airbag's service life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What factors determine the correct airbag size for a vessel?
Airbag diameter, length, and reinforcement layers are selected based on vessel weight, hull shape, launching slope, and ground conditions.
Q2. How long can airbags remain under load during hull elevation?
They can support vessels for several hours, provided pressure is monitored and maintained within the recommended operational range.
Q3. Can airbags operate on irregular ground surfaces?
Yes, they tolerate moderate irregularities, though extremely rough or sharp surfaces should be leveled or covered to prevent abrasion.
Q4. How frequently should airbags be tested?
A brief pre-use inspection is required before every operation, with annual full-pressure testing recommended for high-usage shipyards.
Q5. What is the expected service life of a Hongruntong Marine airbag?
With proper maintenance, the airbags typically deliver multiple years of reliable operation, even in high-duty launching environments.
