Indonesian Journal of Maritime Technology or abbreviated (ISMATECH)
Vol. 3 No. 2 (2025): Volume 3 Issue 2, December 2025

Technical and Operational Analysis of Marine Airbag-Assisted Ship Docking

Puspa Ningrum, Ainun Chandra (Unknown)
Yusril Syam, Muh (Unknown)
Maulidah, Hikmah (Unknown)
Wahidah, Jusma (Unknown)
Jeremy Verian Sitorus, Chris (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
19 Dec 2025

Abstract

Ship docking operations require careful planning and precise implementation to ensure safety and operational efficiency. One widely applied method in shipyard practice is the use of marine airbags to support vessels during docking and undocking processes. This study analyzes the application of a marine airbag-assisted docking system for the barge BG. Liana at PT. Jhonlin Marine Trans using an analytical and field-based approach. The analysis focuses on determining the required number of airbags, evaluating load distribution, and identifying factors contributing to airbag failure during docking operations. Vessel principal dimensions and marine airbag specifications were used as primary input parameters, while field observations were conducted to assess actual operational conditions. The results indicate that a minimum of 21 marine airbags is required to ensure adequate load sharing and structural safety; however, only seven airbags were deployed in practice, leading to excessive load concentration and increased risk of airbag failure. The failure analysis demonstrates that the observed damage was predominantly caused by controllable operational factors, including inadequate airbag quantity, improper placement, pressure inconsistencies, and runway conditions. These findings highlight the importance of strict compliance with analytical planning and operational procedures to enhance safety and reliability in marine airbag-assisted docking operations.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

ismatech

Publisher

Subject

Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture Control & Systems Engineering Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering Mechanical Engineering Transportation

Description

Focus and Scope Research titles encompassed by this journal include, but are not limited to: Naval Architecture: covering ship strength, Ship Hydrodynamics, Ship Construction, Ship Production Management, Wooden and FRP Ship Materials, Ship Design Innovation, Ship Vibration and Noise, Welding ...