portside

Portside is a nautical term referring to the left-hand side of a vessel when facing forward. It is the counterpart to starboard, the right-hand side. The term is used in navigation, sailing, and maritime contexts to describe position on a vessel.

The word derives from port, meaning harbor; historically ships docked on the left side and the term larboard was used earlier, but to prevent confusion with starboard it was replaced by port for the left side. Portside has become a standard descriptor in modern maritime English, and may be written as port side or as the compound portside.

In practice, portside is indicated in navigation and signaling. Vessels display a red light on the port side at night, while the starboard side carries a green light; this aids collision avoidance. Commands such as "Port" or "Port bow" are used to direct handling or turning left. In docking, cargo handling, and deck operations, crew refer to the port side to coordinate movements and tasks.

Beyond nautical usage, "Portside" is also used as a proper name for places, developments, or businesses in coastal or riverside locations, evoking proximity to a harbor. As a brand or district name it can be found worldwide, though its specific occurrences vary by region.

Related terms include port, starboard, and larboard.