A flexible piled dolphin structure can serve all functions of a dolphin described in Section 2.1. This type of dolphin is defined as flexible because the berthing energy is to a certain extent absorbed by deflection of the pile without direct application of an energy-absorbing fender system. An energy-absorbing fender system may also be applied to increase the energy absorption capacity of the total system (pile and fender). Breasting dolphins are also often equipped with a fender system or a wooden timber structure to reduce the hull pressure during the landing procedure of a vessel. Flexible dolphins therefore protect...