A ship's fender is a device, usually made of rubber, plastic or metal, used to protect a ship and a dock or other building, surrounding a ship's berthing area or port terminal. Ship fender has the following roles and functions:

1. Protect ship and dock safety: Ship fenders can provide a buffer area, when the ship is close to the dock, they can prevent the ship from direct contact with the dock, thereby reducing the damage caused by collision. They absorb the force of a crash, reduce damage to ships and docks, and protect port facilities from damage.

2. Protect the safety of personnel: the ship fender can also protect the safety of staff and other personnel on the dock. When the ship is near the dock, personnel may need to work on the dock, and the ship fender can play a role of isolation to prevent personnel from being hit by the ship or falling into the water.