Foam-filled fenders primarily provide better operational safety in wind power installation through the following mechanisms:

I. Material Properties Enhance Protective Capabilities

1. High-Elasticity Buffering
   Foam-filled fenders use lightweight, high-elasticity polyurethane foam, EVA foam or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) foaming materials inside. Even when compressed by 60%, they can still absorb a large amount of impact energy. This characteristic effectively disperses the kinetic energy generated during vessel berthing, reducing the direct collision force between the hull and the dock (or wind power installation platform) and preventing structural damage.
2. Weather Resistance and Corrosion Resistance
   The outer layer of fenders is made of polyurea or polyethylene composite materials, which are resistant to seawater erosion and ultraviolet aging. They can maintain stable performance even when exposed to the salt-spray environment of offshore wind farms for a long time. For example, the UHMWPE fenders used in the Luliang Wharf project can still maintain a 15mm dynamic compensation space in the high-subsidence area of the Loess Plateau, demonstrating excellent adaptability.

II. Structural Design Adapts to Dynamic Environments

1. Advantages of Floating Installation
   Foam-filled fenders have inherent buoyancy, and their installation positions are not restricted by tidal ranges. They can automatically rise and fall with water level changes. This characteristic is particularly suitable for the frequent berthing needs of vessels in offshore wind farm operation and maintenance, avoiding the misalignment and failure of traditional fenders caused by tides. In the Yancheng project, the installation error of fenders was less than 3mm, ensuring the stability of the vessel berthing path.
2. Compression Deformation Disperses Impact
   Through controlled compression deformation, fenders can convert the localized concentrated load from vessel impact into a uniformly distributed load. For example, when polyurethane fenders are compressed by 60%, the reaction force increases gradually from small to large, which not only avoids hard collisions but also prevents vessel rebound and deviation.

III. Operational Safety Enhancement Technologies

1. Maintenance-Free and Damage Resistance
   Compared with inflatable fenders, foam-filled fenders do not require inflation maintenance and will not fail due to punctures or abrasions causing air leaks. For instance, the fenders required by the Hebei Maritime Safety Administration for vessels in wind power operation and maintenance must meet the standards of “acid and alkali resistance and permeability prevention.” The maintenance-free nature of foam-filled fenders fully complies with these requirements.
2. Intelligent Integration
   Some projects integrate intelligent monitoring modules into the fender systems to provide real-time feedback on the stress state and wear degree of fenders. For example, in the Yancheng project, sensors are used to provide real-time early warnings for fenders, enabling the early detection of hidden damages and preventing rope breakage accidents caused by fender failure.

IV. Case Verification and Standardized Application

In the reconstruction and expansion of the Luliang Wharf, foam fenders were positioned using 3D laser scanning and monitored with total stations. The positioning deviation of embedded parts was ≤5mm, and the error of bolt holes was controlled within 2mm, ensuring effective buffering under extreme hydrological conditions. The polyurethane fenders produced by Qingdao Evergreen Maritime have a service life of 10-15 years, significantly longer than the 1-2 years of traditional inflatable fenders, reducing the long-term safety risks of vessels in offshore wind farm operation and maintenance.

In conclusion, through the combination of material science, dynamic structural design, and precise installation technology, foam-filled fenders construct a multi-level safety barrier in wind power installation and barge berthing operations, effectively reducing collision energy and improving system reliability.