In boating, a fender is a bumper used to absorb the kinetic energy of a boat or vessel berthing

against a jetty, quay wall or other vessel. Fenders, used on all types of vessels, from cargo
ships to cruise ships, ferries and personal yachts, prevent damage to vessels and berthing
structures. To do this, fenders have high energy absorption and low reaction force.[1] Fenders are
typically manufactured out of rubber, foam elastomer or plastic. Rubber fenders are either extruded
or made in a mold. The type of fender that is most suitable for an application depends on many
variables, including dimensions and displacement of the vessel, maximum allowable stand-off,
berthing structure, tidal variations and other berth-specific conditions. The size of the fender unit is
based on the berthing energy of the vessel which is related to the square of the berthing velocity.
Historically, fenders were woven from rope in a variety of patterns. Fenders of woven rope are still
used today by historic boat owners.
Yachts, small leisure craft and support vessels typically have mobile fenders which are placed
between the boat and the dock as the boat approaches the dock. Docks and other marine
structures, such as canal entrances and bases of bridges, have permanent fenders placed to avoid
damage from boats. Old tires are often used as fenders in such places.
Fendering is also used on ports and berths as well. The fendering systems act as elastic buffer
devices that are used to slow ships down and prevent damage to the ship or dock structure in the
mooring process.