wharf
Quick Summary
A wharf is a structure built along or at an angle from the shore of navigable waters. Its primary purpose is to allow ships to dock alongside for loading and unloading cargo and passengers. Wharves are essential port assets that facilitate the transfer of goods between ships and land transportation.123
Other related structures include docks, which are enclosed basins for ship repair, and piers, which are platforms extending over the water. Quays are also waterfront facilities, often featuring retaining walls along the shore. These structures are engineered to support land and cargo immediately adjacent to deep water, accommodating vessels of various sizes.43
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