Polyform Modular Fendering System (PMF)
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Innovation in buoys and fenders The ship-building traditions of Western Norway manifest themselves in Polyform´s innovative fender and buoying systems, providing shipowners with substantial time and cost savings. Replacement of damaged fender module with a corresponding element can easily be done at port, or even at sea without any need of specially trained personnel. Western Norway´s long history of shipping explains the Ålesund company Polyform´s passion and commitment towards continually improving the functionality, efficiency and effectiveness of its buoys and fenders. Polyform, with a rich history of over 55 years, locally produces and provides products for a variety of uses, mainly related to maritime, offshore, aquaculture and subsea. Polyform modular fendering “Most often, innovative solutions stem from an understanding and true appreciation of the difficulties faced by the users of our products” says Håvard Nybø, the General Sales Manager of Polyform, referring to a recent invention for use in medium sized high-speed vessels , work-boats and other vessels. Traditionally, fender systems were supplied as a single, fixed system to be installed on the complete circumference of a boat or vessel to absorb impacts from jetties, quays or other vessels and prevent damage to the vessel and berthing structures. However, in the event any part of the fender system becomes worn out or damaged, the traditional course of action requires the entire fender system to be replaced in a ship yard, yielding the vessel inoperative for several days. Facing this challenge, Polyform has built a proprietary modular fender system known as Polyform Modular Fendering (PMF). This solution, by offering separate modules, enables any part of the fender system that is worn out or damaged to be easily replaced without any need for special tools, keeping disruption Tverrvegen 37, NO-6020 Ålesund - Norway Tlf.: +47 70 17 25 50 | E-mail: post@polyform.no to daily operations at a minimum and offering significant savings in terms of cost, time and effort for end users. Collaborative innovation The PMF system was developed in collaboration with a Norwegian design and engineering firm, and with the support and financing of the Norwegian Design Council. This bears testament to the fact that small Norwegian communities armed with commitment and enthusiasm for their initiatives have the potential to innovate world class solutions locally. Rødne Fjord Cruising, one of Norway’s largest passenger-ship companies operating high-speed boats, has commissioned a vessel with the PMF system, expected to be delivered from Brødrene Aa, Hyen at the end of June 2013. “We are looking forward to the new vessel and we have very high expectations. The PMF system is lightweight and has been easy to install”, says Rolf Kristiansen, Technical Supervisor of Rødne Fjord Cruising. He refers to the overall look and feel of the PMF on the new vessel: “ It also looks very good on the ship”. Local initiative Clearly, Polyform benefits from being located in one of the most innovative maritime environments in Norway and the world. All of the products and innovations of Polyform are designed and produced at their modern production facilities in Ålesund housing about 60 employees. “We have produced everything locally since our humble beginnings in 1955 and are very proud to preserve that tradition until today”, says Nybø.