Contributed by ShibataFenderTeam
The rubber units are in pristine conditions, while the steel components and coating system demonstrate strong resistance against corrosion, proving the durability of the Fender Systems
Installed more than ten years ago at the COMPAS Aguadulce – Boscoal terminal in Buenaventura, Colombia, ShibataFenderTeam’s SPC Cone Fender Systems continue to service the terminal and are overall in very good condition.
The terminal is located on the Aguadulce peninsula within Colombia’s main Pacific port, through which a significant share of the country’s exports and imports pass. Designed to accommodate vessels of up to 80,000 tons and with a water depth of 15 meters at low tide, the berth serves bulk carrier operations handling mainly grain and sodium carbonate.
The fender systems were recently inspected, providing the opportunity to assess the installation in detail more than a decade after commissioning. The rubber units show no visible cracking or structural degradation. Equally important, the steel components, including chains and accessories, which exhibit just little to none corrosion, with the coating system maintaining to provide the needed protection.
The conditions observed in Buenaventura highlight the importance of a well-engineered anticorrosion concept for each individual fender design. Durability is not defined solely by the correct energy absorption and reaction force, but also by material selection, coating systems, galvanization, and fabrication quality. In this case, the combination of structural design and corrosion protection has proven effective over time.