Wharf

A wharf is a platform constructed on the edge of a harbor or along a river, extending into the water to allow ships to dock and cargo or passengers to be transferred between vessels and shore. A wharf typically comprises a deck and supporting structure such as piles, a quay wall, or a reinforced abutment, and is usually connected to the shore by access roads or rail links. Wharves are often lined with warehouses, cranes, and other cargo-handling facilities to enable loading and unloading goods.

Wharves can be fixed or floating. Fixed wharves are built on piles or a solid wall and are at or near sea level. Floating wharves use pontoons or connections to provide a stable platform when water levels vary.

In some regions, the term wharf is used interchangeably with quay; in others, a quay is the waterfront structure along the shore, while a wharf refers to the platform extending into the water. A pier is a separate type of structure that extends from the shore over the water, and a jetty is built to influence currents or protect a harbor and may incorporate a wharf.

Modern wharves support a range of operations, including general cargo, bulk materials, containers, and cruise ships, and may include storage yards, multimodal terminals, and specialized equipment. The design and depth of a wharf reflect the types of vessels it serves and the port's cargo handling requirements.