An assembly (1; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) for operating fender elements (P) suitable to protect a boat during the movement and/or mooring including articulation means (2; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601) which are connected to the fender element (P) and moving means (3; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602), suitable to be coupled with the boat, operatively connected to the articulation means (2; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601) for moving them between at least a working position in which they dispose the fender element (P) at least partly laterally protruding from the boat, and at least a rest position in which they dispose the fender element (P) receding with respect to the boat.