Bencros completes rapid tug fender retrofit for Boluda
The fender was scanned and replaced inside of a week (Source: Bencros)
Bencros has completed a rapid on-site fender replacement project for three Boluda Towage Rotterdam ASD tugs, cutting downtime and avoiding structural rework by measuring each vessel during drydocking rather than relying on outdated drawings. The company said missing or obsolete vessel plans often lead to replacement fenders being ordered to the wrong specification, forcing costly welding and delays when parts do not fit.
To avoid that risk, Bencros measured each tug’s fender mounting arrangement directly on board. One vessel was measured manually by specialist fender engineer Jakub Bartoň, while another was scanned in 3D to create a digital model and CAD drawing for a replacement fender. Bencros said it produced that unit within one week and installed it without modification. A third tug required an oversized replacement fender, so Bencros split the design into three interlocking sections to simplify transport and installation.
Bencros said it manufactured the custom fenders in three days and delivered them within a further four days from its Bošany facility in Slovakia. Ronald Tomassen, general manager, said: “I am very happy to see that our new on-site measuring service, including recycling the old fenders, works so well.” He said the project also included recycling removed fenders, with recovered rubber reused in new production.
