Docks

A dock is a structure or area alongside a body of water used for the loading, unloading, and mooring of ships and boats. The term can refer to the physical platform itself (a quay, wharf, or pier) or to the complex of facilities serving a port or marina. Docks support commercial, fishing, and recreational navigation and are typically integrated with intermodal connections such as roads and railways.

Docks comprise berths or docking spaces, fenders, bollards, cranes, and sometimes warehouses. Water depth and tidal range govern which vessels can use a dock, and dredging may be employed to maintain access. Vessel movements rely on pilots, tugs, mooring lines, and traffic control to ensure safe entry, berthing, and departure. Security, safety, and environmental controls regulate handling of fuel, cargo, and waste.

Types include cargo docks, container docks, dry docks (for hull maintenance with water removed), passenger docks, ferry docks, and floating docks or marinas designed for pleasure craft. Some docks are dedicated to repair and refitting ships, while others focus on cargo handling with cranes and automated equipment.

Historically, docks evolved from simple river or coastal ramps to purpose-built berths during the industrial era and were transformed by containerization in the 20th century. Economically, docks enable global trade, mineral and agricultural exports, fishing, and tourism. Environmental considerations include dredging impacts and measures to manage runoff, ballast water, and energy use, with increasing attention to shore power and sustainable operations.