Ship Launching Balloon Portable Design Quick Setup Low Maintenance

Description

Marine Rubber Airbags are highly versatile, portable tools designed to handle the launching, lifting, and movement of ships, heavy equipment, and offshore structures. They eliminate the need for expensive fixed launching facilities like slipways or floating docks. Each airbag is made from premium natural rubber reinforced with multiple layers of high-tensile synthetic cord fabric, ensuring superior strength, elasticity, and resistance to harsh marine conditions.

Marine Rubber Airbags are especially valuable for projects where time, mobility, and cost-efficiency are critical. They can be deployed rapidly, repositioned as needed, and stored compactly when not in use. Their cylindrical shape distributes weight evenly, providing a safe and controlled rolling motion for vessels or heavy components.

Case Study

In 2023, a coastal engineering company in South America used 24 Marine Rubber Airbags to launch a newly built 12,000-ton roll-on/roll-off ferry. The site had no permanent slipway; instead, workers prepared a compacted soil path and lined it with anti-friction mats. Using coordinated inflation and rolling techniques, the ferry was successfully launched within a single day. Compared to constructing a temporary dock, the airbag method reduced costs by 45% and minimized environmental disturbance to the shoreline.

This project demonstrates how Marine Rubber Airbags make large-scale ship launching practical, fast, and sustainable, even in remote locations.

Specifications

Features

Heavy Duty Load Handling

Marine Rubber Airbags are capable of supporting vessels and structures ranging from a few hundred tons to over 25,000 tons. Their multiple-layered construction allows them to sustain high working pressures without deformation or failure. By combining several airbags, even extremely heavy loads can be safely and evenly supported during launching or lifting operations.

High Durability and Marine Resistance

The outer rubber layers are specially formulated to resist abrasion, cuts, and saltwater corrosion. This makes the airbags suitable for harsh environments such as rocky shores, sand, and concrete surfaces. With proper maintenance, their operational lifespan can extend beyond a decade, ensuring consistent reliability over multiple projects.

Fast Flexible Deployment Anywhere

Unlike fixed infrastructure, Marine Rubber Airbags can be transported by truck or container to any project site. Once on location, they can be inflated within minutes and arranged under a vessel or structure. This mobility allows shipyards and contractors to undertake projects in remote or temporary locations without large capital investments.

Enhanced Safety and Precision Control

The airbags provide excellent shock absorption and friction, preventing uncontrolled sliding or damage to vessel hulls. Operators can adjust internal pressure to control lifting force and rolling speed, ensuring a stable and predictable process. Optional overpressure valves and anti-slip mats further improve operational safety.

Applications

Ship Launching and Dry Docking

Ideal for both new ship launches and bringing vessels ashore for maintenance. They are used for fishing boats, ferries, tankers, and offshore platforms.

Heavy Equipment and Structure Relocation
Support the movement of floating docks, bridge sections, and industrial modules. Their portability allows operations in areas without permanent infrastructure.

Marine Salvage and Emergency Buoyancy
Quickly deployed to stabilize or refloat sunken vessels, damaged barges, or offshore structures. Their large buoyancy capacity and rapid inflation make them indispensable in emergency response.

Pipeline and Offshore Installation
Assist in transporting, positioning, or supporting subsea pipelines and heavy offshore equipment, where precise buoyancy and lifting control are required.

Why Choose Hongruntong Marine?

Industry Leading Expertise and RD

Hongruntong Marine has over two decades of experience producing Marine Rubber Airbags. Our in-house R&D team uses advanced simulation and testing to ensure optimal load capacity, safety margins, and material performance. We offer full customization of diameter, length, and working pressure to match specific project needs.

World Class Manufacturing Standards

We use premium raw materials—high-grade natural rubber and multi-strand synthetic cords—processed in ISO-certified factories. Automated winding and vulcanization ensure consistent quality. Every airbag is rigorously tested for pressure retention, tensile strength, and seam integrity before shipment.

Global Proven Success

Our Marine Rubber Airbags have been successfully used in over 40 countries. In 2021, they helped refloat a grounded oil tanker in Southeast Asia within 36 hours, preventing environmental damage. In Europe, our airbags facilitated the transport of a 15,000-ton floating dock to a new location, reducing costs by 30%. These achievements demonstrate the reliability and effectiveness of our products worldwide.

Comprehensive Customer Support

Hongruntong Marine provides more than just products. We offer operation manuals, on-site training, and technical consultation to ensure safe and efficient use. Our after-sales team provides maintenance advice, spare parts, and rapid response for complex projects. This full-service approach builds long-term partnerships and ensures maximum value for customers.

FAQ

1. What sizes and working pressures do the airbags support?
We offer diameters from 0.8m to 2.5m and lengths from 5m to 24m. Working pressures range from 0.05MPa to 0.25MPa. Multiple airbags can be combined to handle vessels exceeding 25,000 tons.

2. How should airbags be positioned for launching?
Deflated airbags should be placed at equal intervals under the vessel’s hull, with protective mats if needed. Gradual inflation lifts the vessel evenly, and coordinated rolling moves it toward the water.

3. What maintenance is recommended?
After each use, clean the airbags with fresh water, check for damage, and store them deflated in a cool, dry location. With routine inspections and small repairs, service life can exceed 10 years.

4. Are airbags suitable for uneven ground?
Yes. Marine Rubber Airbags can be used on concrete, sand, or compacted soil. For rough or rocky surfaces, anti-slip mats or wooden planks are recommended to protect the airbags and maintain stability.