Saint Nazaire Port on the French Atlantic coast is upgrading its facilities to accommodate larger vessels, including the MSC World Class cruise liners built nearby. Its famous Joubert dock, also known as the “Normandie lock,” provides access from the Loire River to the port’s main basin but can also be drained to function as a drydock for the maintenance and construction of large ships.
With its 50-meter width, the lock presents a unique challenge for the massive 333-meterlong and 47-meter-wide MSC World America, requiring the installation of specialized fender systems. To ensure safe operations at the Joubert dock, ShibataFenderTeam partnered with constructor Chantier de l’Atlantique and Saint-Nazaire Port to design and deliver a customized solution, which included a guidance system of five sets of Rolling Foam Fenders (2,000-by-1,500 mm), 12 sets of SX-P Fenders (1,000-by- 3,000 mm, G1.0), and 17 sets of pneumatic fenders (in two sizes: 3,300-by-6,500 mm and 2,000- by-3,000 mm).
SFT’s in-house engineering team customized the Guiding Foam Fenders and their fixing system to withstand the strong winds that large vessels often encounter. These robust fenders are designed to absorb the vessels’ impact while effectively guiding them through the confined space. Once properly aligned, the SX-P Fenders, equipped with PE-UHMW sliding plates, ensure that the vessels maneuver smoothly through the Joubert dock.
Finally, to accommodate vessels of different sizes accessing the port, it was essential to have fenders in different sizes with the needed energy absorption readily available. Our team selected and customized Pneumatic Fenders in various sizes, chosen for their versatility, durability, and ease of storage.
At ShibataFenderTeam, we provide a wide range of customized fender systems, ensuring that each project receives the most suitable solution. Saint- Nazaire Port is now ready and equipped to handle the next generation of large vessels.
