Aiming at the problem that the existing protective structure can not achieve multi-objective ship-type flexible protection，a flexible fender which can protect small and medium-sized ships is proposed.The fender can be used with the existing protective structure.To determine the optimal form，the quasi-static compression tests of three different flexible fenders are carried out.And the protective performance of the optimal structural fender is analyzed through full scale impact test and numerical simulation.The results indicate that the failure modes of different specimens are similar under compression test.The outer plate shear failure， matrix cracking and fiber fracture occurred in all specimens.At the end of compression， the springback rate of each specimen was as high as 85%.Specimen 3 with energy dissipation core material is the optimal structure.For the drop weight impact test， the reduction rate of impact force reaches 97%.Fender deformation recovers completely after impact， and fender dissipates energy in the form of elastic energy dissipation.Under barge impact， the fender absorbs 63% of the collision energy and greatly reduces ship damage.In this condition， the fender mainly absorbs the collision energy with the collapse of the energy dissipating core material.