Fenders absorb forces where vessel meets quay and are therefore important to how a quay facility functions in practice. They affect safety, wear and day-to-day use.
When the vessels using the quay change, or operations follow a different pattern, it may be appropriate to assess whether the fendering still meets the requirements. This applies both to existing facilities and when planning new quays.
In many cases, it is most useful to consider fendering alongside the rest of the quay. The quay edge, structure and vessel movements are interrelated, and a comprehensive assessment provides a better basis for making the right choices.