Wharves

A wharf is a raised platform built along a shoreline at a harbor, designed for ships to dock and for loading and unloading cargo or passengers. It is typically built parallel to the shore and may form part of a quay or waterfront complex.

Wharves are constructed from timber, concrete, or steel and are equipped with mooring bollards, gangways, cranes, and sometimes warehouses. They can be solid embankments or supported on piles and may incorporate berths that extend into the water to accommodate vessels of different sizes.

In practice, the term wharf is often used interchangeably with quay, jetty, and pier, though regional usage varies. A quay is a constructed bank or embankment parallel to the shoreline; a pier is a structure extending into the water supported by piles; a jetty extends outward to protect a harbor channel.

Functions include docking ships, loading and unloading goods, and serving as the base for cargo handling equipment such as cranes and forklift areas. Modern wharves may be part of dedicated container terminals or mixed-use facilities for bulk, break-bulk, and passenger services.

History: Wharves date to ancient ports, evolving from timber structures to reinforced concrete as ships grew larger. The advent of containerization in the 20th century led to the development of specialized, hard-standing terminals with extensive craneage, deep water berths, and yard space.

Environmental and safety considerations include dredging to maintain depth, protection from erosion, traffic management, and compliance with maritime regulations. Wharves remain central to coastal trade, fishing, tourism, and naval operations.