Choosing the appropriate mooring buoy can make a significant difference in safety, durability, and operational efficiency. Among the widely used types are spherical buoys and cylindrical buoys. This blog explores their structural differences, ideal applications, and how to choose the right one for your maritime environment.
Mooring Buoy Classifications by Shape:
-- Spherical (Ball) Buoys: Rounded, highly buoyant, and mainly used in calm harbor conditions.
-- Cylindrical (Drum) Buoys: Feature a larger surface area and better stability in offshore environments.
Comparison: Spherical vs Cylindrical Mooring Buoy
Features | Spherical Mooring Buoy | Cylindrical Mooring Buoy |
Shape | Dome/Spherical | Horizontal cylindrical with flat sides |
Fender Protection | Optional | Built-in heavy-duty rubber fenders |
Use Environment | Ports, harbors, and tugboat zones | Offshore terminals, energy platforms |
Stability | Good in calm waters | Excellent in high-current open seas |
Maintenance | Standard | Modular parts simplify upkeep |
Customization Options | Limited | Extensive size, fittings, and load ratings |
When Should You Use Each Type?
--Spherical Red Buoy: Ideal for port operations, temporary anchoring, and inner harbor mooring where water conditions are calm and visual navigation is key.
--Cylindrical Yellow Buoy: Preferred in offshore zones where high durability, advanced stability, and vessel protection are essential.
Real-World Example:
For a desalination plant in the Red Sea, our cylindrical yellow mooring buoys were deployed to ensure mooring safety in turbulent conditions. Their anti-corrosion treatment and integrated fender system reduced maintenance costs and vessel downtime.
Selecting the right mooring buoy depends on your project’s environmental conditions and operational goals. While both spherical and cylindrical buoys are effective, cylindrical models offer superior offshore performance and customization. Contact our experts for a consultation and let us help you build a reliable mooring solution.
