Fenders or concrete deflectors that prevent the power pole from being knocked down by an errant ship.
Why were none installed on the bridge supports?
*******************************************************
What would adding fenders or deflectors do if they were dependent on the bridge supports? It just makes the bridge structure a bigger target because they will just transfer the impact back to the supports that need protecting.
Any added protective measures need to be independent of the foundation and structure of the bridge. To put retrofitted protection in a deep, narrow channel that is strong enough to resist a blow by a large cargo ship would be quite the engineering feat.
It will be interesting to find out how the bridge pier that was struck held up below the water line.
“What would adding fenders or deflectors do”
fenders or deflectors are made of concrete and steel pilings and are built strong enough to deflect a ship from crashing into what the “fender” is designed to protect.
The concrete support structure for the bridge appears to be in good condition, except where the steel anchors on top that hold the roadway was ripped off. They may be able to re-use those for the rebuilt bridge section. (depending of course on damage)