Abstract: Protection for a cable, piping or tubing comprises a bend stiffener. This includes at least one element comprising a tubular wall having a substantially smooth inner surface, which defines circumferential recesses along at least part of its length. Each recess has an open end at the circumference of the wall, a base, and sloping sides that are closer to each other at the base than at the open end. Each recess has a depth of no more than 50% of the thickness of the tubular wall. The bend stiffener may include a number of such elements connected together. The cable protection may also include a clamp attached to the bend stiffener.