SHEAR FENDERS

LION SHEAR FENDERS

Features

  • Support Heavy loads
  • Easy to install
  • Linear reaction curve

Applications

  • Offshore platforms
  • Cargo berths

Lion Shear Fenders are used to absorb energy during mooring or berthing. It is designed to support Heavy loads.

shear fender leg diagram
Type A B C D E H
LSF 270 680 510 510 50 35 270
LSF 500 1020 820 820 70 45 500
  • All above dimensions are in mm. Above data is for reference purpose only.
  • Any customized Project & Product requirements can be catered by Lion Rubber’s Design & Development Team.

SHEAR FENDERS

Lion Rubber’s shear fender is a type of rubber fender made to protect ships and port structures during docking. It works by absorbing the force when a vessel meets a jetty, dock, or platform, helping to reduce damage on both sides.
This fender is strong enough to handle heavy impacts while keeping the reaction smooth and steady. It is designed for easy installation and stays reliable even in tough marine conditions like saltwater, tides, and constant use.

Because of its simple yet effective design, the shear fender is used in many places—ports, harbors, jetties, and offshore sites. It not only keeps structures safe but also ensures smoother berthing operations. Lion Rubber also offers options to customize the fender according to different project needs, making it a flexible choice for various marine and offshore applications. 

What Is a Shear Fender?

A shear fender is a type of rubber fender fixed to port and offshore structures to handle sideways pressure, also known as shear force. While it stays firm when pressed directly, it bends slightly sideways to absorb the energy of an approaching vessel. This balance of stiffness and flexibility helps protect both the ship and the structure during docking.
The way it works is simple. When a vessel makes contact, the fender shifts sideways just enough to spread and absorb the force. This reduces the impact, lowers the risk of damage, and makes berthing safer and smoother. Its predictable, steady response is due to its linear reaction curve, which ensures reliable performance every time.
Lion Rubber’s shear fenders are built with marine-grade materials that stand strong against saltwater, weather, and heavy use. The protective rubber layer also shields the inner steel parts from rust and corrosion, adding to their long service life.

Types of Shear Fenders Offered by Lion Rubber

Lion Rubber designs different kinds of shear fenders to match a wide range of marine needs. Each rubber fender type is built for specific conditions, ensuring reliable safety and long-lasting use.
  • Standard Shear Fender

    This is the most widely used type, offering steady performance in everyday berthing operations. It is suitable for ports, docks, and jetties where vessels of different sizes require safe docking.

  • Heavy-Duty Shear Fender

    Made for tougher conditions, this fender is used in offshore platforms and busy berths where ships create higher impact forces. Its extra strength ensures better protection for both the vessel and the structure in energy-intensive environments.

  • Custom Shear Fender

    Every marine site is different, and Lion Rubber offers custom solutions to meet unique needs. These fenders can be designed based on load requirements, dimensions, or specific operating conditions. This ensures the fender is a perfect fit for the project.

  • Modular/Panel-Integrated Shear Fender

    This type is designed to work as part of larger fender systems or built into structural panels. It allows for easy installation and seamless integration into modern berthing facilities.

  • By offering standard, heavy-duty, custom, and modular options, Lion Rubber ensures that each project gets the right balance of safety, durability, and performance.

Key Features & Technical Specifications

Lion Rubber’s shear fender range is designed with features that make docking operations safer and more reliable. Each rubber fender is built to handle heavy use in tough marine conditions while remaining simple to install and maintain.
  • Support Heavy Loads

    The fenders are made with high compression stiffness, allowing them to manage strong impacts from vessels without losing shape or strength.

  • Easy to Install

    Their compact, low-footprint design makes mounting straightforward. This helps reduce installation time and ensures smooth setup in different marine sites.

  • Linear Reaction Curve

    The fenders offer a steady, linear load-deflection response. This means energy from vessel impacts is absorbed in a controlled way, keeping both ship and structure protected.

  • Corrosion Protection

    Each unit is fully encased in durable rubber, which protects the inner steel plates from saltwater damage. This reduces the risk of corrosion and lowers long-term maintenance costs.

  • Custom Sizes and Options

    Lion Rubber provides shear fenders in standard models like LSF 270 and LSF 500. For example: LSF 270: 680 × 510 × 510 mm with 270 mm height LSF 500: 1020 × 820 × 820 mm with 500 mm height These are reference sizes, but custom dimensions and materials can be developed to match project-specific needs.

  • With their strong load support, reliable energy absorption, and long service life, Lion Rubber shear fenders deliver lasting protection for marine structures.

Applications of Shear Fenders

Lion Rubber’s shear fender range is widely used in marine and infrastructure projects where protection from heavy impacts is essential. By combining strength with a steady, linear reaction curve, each rubber fender ensures safer operations across different environments.
  • Offshore Platforms

    Shear fenders are often fitted to offshore structures to handle strong lateral berthing forces. They absorb impact energy during vessel approaches, keeping platforms stable and secure.

  • Cargo Berths

    In busy ports and cargo terminals, these fenders provide effective energy absorption as ships berth. Their ability to support large weights makes them reliable for frequent, heavy-duty operations.

  • Ferry Terminals & Boat Landings

    At passenger and small-craft terminals, shear fenders protect docks and vessels from repeated, low-energy contacts. Their slight sideways deflection helps reduce wear while maintaining smooth docking operations.

  • Bridge Piers & Infrastructure

    Shear fenders are also used to shield fixed structures like bridge piers and abutments from shear impact loading. Their omni-directional performance ensures safety even when forces come from different angles.

  • With versatile applications across offshore, port, and civil projects, Lion Rubber shear fenders provide long-lasting protection for both vessels and structures.

Why Choose Lion Rubber Shear Fenders?

At Lion Rubber, we have been delivering reliable marine protection solutions for over 30 years. Our shear fenders combine quality, durability, and proven performance, making them a trusted choice across industries. Here’s why: 

  • Built for Harsh Environments

    Made with high-grade marine rubber, these rubber fenders are designed to last in saltwater, changing tides, and heavy-duty operations.

  • Proven Performance

    Each fender offers a linear reaction curve, ensuring controlled energy absorption under heavy loads and shear stresses. This predictable behavior protects both vessels and structures.

  • Customized Solutions

    Our in-house design and development team creates fenders tailored to project needs—whether adjusting size, materials, or load requirements.

  • Trusted Worldwide

    With decades of experience in business, we have earned the confidence of offshore, port, and infrastructure clients around the globe. Our products are known for consistent quality and durability.

  • Standards & Reliability

    All shear fenders are built to comply with industry performance standards, giving clients assurance of safety and long service life.

With a balance of expertise, innovation, and customer focus, Lion Rubber shear fenders are the dependable choice for marine and offshore applications. 

Frequently Asked Questions of SHEAR FENDERS

A shear fender improves safety by absorbing sideways impact forces when a ship comes alongside a dock or platform. The rubber fender bends slightly, spreading the force over a larger area and reducing stress on both the vessel and the structure. 

Offshore platforms and bridge piers often face strong lateral forces from large vessels and changing currents. A shear fender is designed to handle these sideways loads more effectively than most rubber fenders, making it a reliable choice for such high-impact locations. 

When customizing a shear fender, engineers look at vessel size, expected impact loads, available space, and environmental conditions. These factors help determine the right dimensions, material grade, and load capacity of the rubber fender for a specific project. 

A well-built shear fender has a long service life, often lasting many years in constant use. The protective rubber cover shields steel components from saltwater and weather, allowing the rubber fender to perform effectively with minimal maintenance. 

Yes. A shear fender can be used on its own or integrated into panel systems for added coverage. This flexibility allows the rubber fender to work in both simple docks and complex berthing structures. 

Secure Structural Protection with Lion Rubber Shear Fenders

Lion Rubber makes it simple to protect marine and offshore structures with durable shear fender solutions. We provide high-quality rubber fenders designed for strength, long service life, and consistent performance. Standard models are available, but you can also request custom designs with specific dimensions and load capacities to suit your project requirements. 

Built with marine-grade materials and corrosion-resistant protection, every fender meets global performance standards for reliability. Along with trusted products, our in-house experts offer technical support and tailored recommendations. 

Request a Quote for Custom Shear Fenders. 

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