The ShibataFenderTeam Group is the leading international fender manufacturer with more than 60 years of group experience in fender production, more than 145,000 fenders in service and 100 years of experience in the production of rubber products. Shibata Industrial, based in Japan, is responsible for rubber production and R&D, with around 300 employees in Japan. Our German branch, ShibataFenderTeam, handles design, manufacturing (steel, foam and polyethylene) and international sales, with around 80 employees worldwide.
With a commitment to excellence, we not only provide exceptional products but also offer unparalleled technical expertise in consulting, engineering, manufacturing, testing, and after-sales services.
Worldwide client service
ShibataFenderTeam takes immense pride in our global presence and the accessibility of our competent and professional contacts to cater to our clients’ needs. We emphasise staying closely connected through regular communication to ensure competent assistance in every corner of the world.
Along with our headquarters, our regional offices in the US, Malaysia, Spain and the Netherlands are supported by a large network of well-established local representatives on six continents to provide comprehensive consulting. Clients rely on our personalised consulting and direct exchange, facilitated by our flexible approach and global network.
Design
ShibataFenderTeam’s in-house engineering team typically handles application engineering, detailed design, draft work, and structural analyses.
In the maritime industry, it is widely acknowledged that no two projects are identical, and a fender design concept is seldom simple or off-the-shelf. Embracing this understanding, we advocate for a holistic approach to fender system design, where three crucial ingredients are weighed equally: Project Conditions, Components & Design, and Manufacturing.
From the very start of a design, our holistic approach comes into play to ensure reliability, durability, and optimal performance throughout a fender system’s entire service life.
Manufacturing
ShibataFenderTeam has a strong focus on manufacturing all major components in-house, ensuring the utmost quality and reliability at their own production facilities in Europe and Asia.
In Malaysia and Japan, our rubber fender manufacturing facilities have an impressive track record of delivering high-quality products. Both facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art manufacturing and testing equipment. Moreover, by mixing our own rubber compound in the mixing plant in Malaysia further enhances production control, making us the pioneering fender manufacturer to utilize the latest compound mixers and associated technology.
Our German production facility has grown its expertise, starting with HD-PE Sliding Fenders and expanding to steel panels for rubber fender systems, Foam Fenders and Buoys since 2014. Pure craftsmanship combined with global design and product expertise – truly ‘Made in Germany’.
ShibataFenderTeam is also pioneering the industry by being the first fender manufacturer to provide product and project specific figures on CO2 emission .
Decades of experience have gained them a reputation as a dependable partner in the international port, harbor, and waterways market.
Products
Our wide range of products capitalises on our expertise in working with rubber, steel, polyurethane, and polyethylene. SFT offers a comprehensive product range, catering to all maritime mooring and berthing applications, showcasing a significant strength.
Rubber fenders: High performance rubber fenders for various applications, very appropriate in areas with low variation in water level; fixed fenders (all but Cylindrical Fenders) are mostly equipped with steel panels to allow for a low hull pressure.
- Easy-to-install Conical Fenders (SPC Cone Fenders)
- Hollow and lightweight Cell Fenders (CSS Cell Fenders)
- Fully molded Element Fenders with mounting plates
- Energy-absorbent Cylindrical Fenders (FE Element Fenders)
- V Fenders for turning dolphins and pivot points
- Individually engineered Parallel Motion Fenders
- Custom-made Pile Fenders
Foam Fenders: High-performance systems for diverse applications, ideal for projects with fluctuating water levels, ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore operations as well as for cruise terminals. Could be supplied from own German manufacturing facility.
- Ocean Guard Fenders
- Ocean Cushion Fenders
- Donut Fenders
- Submarine Foam Fenders
- SSD Fenders
- Buoys and Barriers
Pneumatic Fenders: An abrasion-resistant, air-filled rubber fender that is easily deflatable, allowing cost-effective relocation and re-commissioning in different locations. Available as a special hydropneumatic version with submerged contact area for submarines.
Other Fender Types:
- Corner Fenders systems protect exposed corners against ship damages and facilitate safe turning maneuvers.
- Rolling Fenders are especially suitable to provide ship guidance in narrow areas.
- Extruded Fenders are simple rubber profiles for various applications. Supplied cut and drilled for easy and quick installation.
- Komposite Fenders, resilient rubber fenders with an UHMW-PE front facing plate, allowing for low friction.
- Tug Boat Fenders. All standard types available. Extremely robust for heavy-duty and demanding tug boat operations for reliable protection of Tug Boats.
Special Solutions
We also offer highly customised products made from rubber, steel and other materials for fender and related marine applications.
- PE Sliding Plates and Fenders. Crafted from Polyethylene, offer impact strength, high abrasion resistance, and low friction. Ideal for various applications, but particularly used for steel fender panels.
- Accessories and Fixings. High quality chains, accessories and compatible fixings to assemble and install fenders are an important part of each fender solution and are completely delivered by SFT.
- Bollards. SFT Bollards suit most docks and jetties and come in various shapes and capacities.
Testing is crucial when pursuing quality, and at ShibataFenderTeam, we are fully committed to this aspect. We not only adhere to the latest industry testing standards but also actively support and promote the development of new industry guidelines, by eg. sharing our expertise in PIANC Working Group 211 whose members currently develop new “Guidelines for the design of fender systems”.
After-sales services: With a comprehensive approach, we stand by our clients throughout the entire process, from engineering and manufacturing to after-sales support. Our commitment extends beyond order completion, ensuring client satisfaction. We offer various services, including site assessments and personalised maintenance plans for marine infrastructure. Contact us today via the enquiry form on this page.
