The simulation of the whole ship-bridge collision process can be effectively carried out by nonlinear dynamic finite element method. Based on the simple description of the theory, a scenario of a 40000 DWT oil tanker colliding with a bridge across the Yangtze River is designed for simulation. The technology of structure modeling and the determination of related parameters are introduced. The deformation of the bulb bow, the history of collision force change, the exchange of collision energy and the stress distribution of the bridge pier are described in detail, which are of great value to bridge de-sign and bridge pier damage estimation. Some mechanical characters in the process of ship-bridge collision are described. More accurate results can be produced by finite element method than that by empirical formulas and simplified analytical methods. Based on the simple description of the theory, a scenario of a 40000 DWT oil tanker colliding with a bridge across the Yangtze River is designed for simulation. The technology of structure modeling and the determination of related parameters are introduced. The deformation of the bulb bow, the history of collision force change, the exchange of collision energy and the stress distribution of the bridge pier are described in detail, which are Some mechanical characters in the process of ship-bridge collision are described. More accurate results can be produced by finite element method than that by empirical formulas and simplified analytical methods.