ShibataFenderTeam participates at NordPIANC

NordPIANC is the bi-annual Nordic event which was held in Hirtshals, Denmark, from September 11 – 13, 2019, organized by the PIANC National Section of Denmark. The event fosters the sharing of experience and know-how between the different sectors of the maritime industry, and also provides networking opportunities for PIANC members of the Nordic countries. 

ShibataFenderTeam, PIANC Platinum Partner, sponsored the event which consisted of an interesting range of presentations and two site visits to Hanstholm and the port of Hirtshals.

SFT was presented by Markus Bleher, Junior Sales Manager, being responsible at SFT for Northern Europe. Our abstract about the development of the port sector in the Nordic countries found favor with the organizers and we were invited to present this topic to more than 80 participants. The presentation discussed the development of the port of Esbjerg from a fishing port to a port hosting offshore vessels and the effect of their beltings on fender design. Several Nordic countries see an increase in LNG production and are faced with new requirements to the fender design due to lower hull pressure of vessels. Many cities experienced that ports move to the outskirts, mainly due to larger vessels and urban development of the cities. Taking into account these new developments, what should ports be aware of regarding fender design? We shared our thoughts which led us to the closing topic, a view on SFT’s holistic approach to fender design. A holistic approach means: fender systems are considered as one, all steps of fender design go hand in hand. The rubber unit is a crucial component of the system, but is only as good as the overall design of the system. The main engineering and design challenge is with the steel panels, chains and the corresponding anchorage. A fender system based on a holistic approach reduces maintenance, replacement and consequential cost at the terminal. 

Participating at NordPIANC enabled us to share our holistic approach to fender design, which was well received by all of the participants.  We have won many valuable contacts and enjoyed exchanging experiences with everybody. 

We would like to thank PIANC Denmark for the great organization and look forward to the next NordPIANC in 2021.