Buoyancy Bags Reliable Performance Wear Resistant Quick Deflation
Description
Pillow Underwater Lifting Bags are high-strength inflatable devices designed for heavy-duty underwater lifting, sunken vessel recovery, subsea equipment relocation, and controlled buoyancy operations in challenging marine environments. Constructed using multi-layer synthetic reinforcement fabrics encapsulated in marine-grade rubber, these airbags deliver exceptional tensile strength, hydrostatic pressure resistance, and abrasion durability. Their pillow-shaped design ensures uniform load distribution, enabling safe lifting of irregular or partially damaged structures.
Available in sizes ranging from 1 m × 2 m up to 4 m × 6 m, and capable of lifting loads from 5 tons to over 200 tons, Pillow Underwater Lifting Bags are engineered for both deep-water salvage and offshore engineering applications. Controlled inflation allows staged lifting, minimizing sudden load shifts and stress on submerged structures. Compared with rigid lifting systems or crane-dependent operations, these airbags offer flexible deployment, rapid mobilization, and reusable solutions for large-scale underwater projects.
Applications include deep-water vessel refloating, sunken cargo recovery, offshore heavy module relocation, pipeline positioning, and emergency buoyancy support. Their robustness, precision control, and long-term durability make them indispensable tools for salvage operators, offshore contractors, and marine engineering teams operating under extreme conditions.
Case Study – Deep Water Cargo Vessel Recovery in the North Atlantic
A North Atlantic salvage company faced the challenge of recovering a 4,500-ton cargo vessel that had partially sunk at a depth of 20 meters following a severe storm. The seabed was uneven, and the hull sustained partial deformation, making crane-based recovery unsafe. The project required precise, gradual lifting to refloat the vessel without exacerbating structural damage.
Hongruntong Marine provided a set of Pillow Underwater Lifting Bags engineered for heavy-duty deep-water lifting. Engineering assessments included load calculations, airbag volume optimization, and staged inflation sequencing. Divers installed the airbags at critical hull points to ensure balanced lifting and stress distribution.
During the operation, airbags were inflated incrementally, providing controlled buoyancy that gradually lifted the vessel from the seabed. The pillow design allowed the airbags to conform to hull contours and uneven seabed conditions, reducing torsional stress and ensuring structural integrity. The refloating operation was completed successfully within 18 hours. After recovery, the airbags were redeployed for lifting and repositioning offshore platform modules in the same project, confirming durability, repeatability, and operational efficiency. The salvage team reported reduced operational cost, enhanced safety, and reliable performance compared with conventional lifting methods.
Specifications
| Product Name | Boat Air Bags |
| Raw Material | TOP Grade PVC Coating Fabric |
| Type | Pillow |
| Size | 500kg, 1000kg, 5000kg 10000kg,etc |
| Thickness | 0.4-1.2mm, or as request |
| Color | Yellow,Blue,Black, etc |
| Density | 0.33-0.9g/cm3 |
| Safety Factor | 7:1 |
| Accessories | Valve, Inflatable Tube, Repair Material |
| OEM | Welcome |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
|
Tolerances |
+/- 0.03 on densities +/- 0.2 mm on thickness +/- 0 to +3mm on width +/- 0 to +3mm on length |
|
Model |
Capacity |
Length |
Width |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pillow |
[kg] |
[lbs] |
[mm] |
[mm] |
| HM-ULB100 | 100 | 220 | 1,020 | 760 |
| HM-ULB250 | 250 | 550 | 1,320 | 820 |
| HM-ULB500 | 500 | 1,100 | 1,300 | 1,200 |
| HM-ULB1000 | 1,000 | 2,200 | 1,550 | 1,420 |
| HM-ULB2000 | 2,000 | 4,400 | 1,950 | 1,780 |
| HM-ULB3000 | 3,000 | 6,600 | 2,900 | 1,950 |
| HM-ULB5000 | 5,000 | 11,000 | 3,230 | 2,030 |
| *Note: Other sizes can be customized according to the requirements. | ||||
Features
High Load Capacity for Deep Water Operations
Pillow Underwater Lifting Bags are engineered for extreme lifting tasks, supporting sunken vessels and heavy subsea modules. Multi-layer synthetic reinforcement ensures high tensile strength and hydrostatic pressure resistance, allowing safe operations even at significant depths.
Precision Buoyancy Control
Staged inflation allows operators to gradually increase buoyancy, enabling controlled lifting and positioning of submerged assets. This reduces stress on hulls or structures, minimizes tilting, and enhances diver safety during salvage operations.
Reinforced Material Durability
The airbags’ outer rubber layer resists seawater corrosion, microbial attack, UV exposure, and abrasion. High puncture and tear resistance protect against contact with rough hulls, seabed debris, and offshore structures, ensuring long-term operational reliability.
Flexible Deployment and Reusability
Designed for compact transport and rapid underwater deployment, Pillow Underwater Lifting Bags can be reused across multiple projects. Their adaptability allows applications in vessel recovery, offshore module handling, and emergency buoyancy tasks, improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Applications
Sunken Vessel Recovery
Used to refloat grounded or sunken vessels in deep-water scenarios, providing controlled staged lifting while maintaining hull integrity and diver safety.
Heavy Subsea Module Relocation
Supports underwater repositioning of large equipment, offshore platform components, or subsea infrastructure, enabling precise placement and stabilization.
Emergency Buoyancy Support
Provides rapid deployment for temporary flotation or stabilization of submerged assets in offshore and deep-water environments, enhancing operational safety and response efficiency.
Why Choose Hongruntong Marine
Expertise in Deep Water Lifting Technology
Hongruntong Marine specializes in designing inflatable lifting solutions for deep-water and heavy-duty applications. Our engineers provide precise load calculations, buoyancy planning, and operational guidance to ensure safety and reliability.
Advanced Multi Layer Manufacturing
Each airbag is produced using reinforced synthetic fabrics and marine-grade rubber, undergoing strict pressure testing and quality inspection. The multi-layer design guarantees durability, high-pressure resistance, and operational safety under extreme conditions.
Custom Design for Large Scale Salvage Projects
For each project, Hongruntong Marine offers tailored designs, including airbag dimensions, reinforcement configurations, and staged inflation strategies to optimize lifting efficiency, stability, and safety.
Comprehensive Technical Support
Our services include deployment guidance, maintenance recommendations, inspection protocols, and troubleshooting assistance, ensuring safe, repeatable, and long-term underwater lifting operations.
FAQ
1. What is the maximum lifting capacity of Pillow Underwater Lifting Bags?
Capacity depends on size, volume, inflation pressure, and deployment configuration. Custom engineering ensures suitability for specific deep-water salvage operations.
2. Can these airbags be reused for multiple heavy-duty operations?
Yes. Proper cleaning, inspection, and storage maintain durability and performance across multiple deep-water lifting projects.
3. Are they suitable for operations at depths beyond 20 meters?
Yes. Reinforced multi-layer construction provides hydrostatic pressure resistance, making them suitable for deep-water lifting tasks.
4. How are airbags installed under a sunken vessel?
Divers or remotely operated vehicles place airbags at critical hull points. Proper positioning ensures balanced lifting and minimizes structural stress.
5. Does Hongruntong Marine provide operational guidance for deep-water projects?
Yes. We offer engineering consultation, buoyancy calculations, staged inflation guidance, and operational protocols for safe and efficient underwater lifting.



