Fender systems should be determined considering not only the absorption of the external load by the vessels berthing and mooring, but also the hull pressure of the vessel and the reaction load to the structure to ensure protection of them both.

It is general for piled dolphins with vertical piles that the energy absorption by deformation of fender and dolphin is taken into consideration. On the other hand, for the dolphins with coupled, battered piles, only the fender is to absorb the energy, because the reaction load to deform the dolphin is so high that it might damage the vessel’s hull and possible the dolphin structure.

Fenders should be selected taking into consideration the characteristics under angular compression as the large vessel usually berthing with angle. It should be also considered that all fenders in the face line should not work under such an angular approaching condition.