quay

A quay is a constructed waterfront platform that runs parallel to a shore or riverbank, designed to allow ships to moor and to facilitate the loading and unloading of passengers and cargo. Quays are typically built as continuous walls or terraces along the water, sometimes with adjacent warehouses, cranes, and other cargo-handling facilities. In many places they also function as public promenades or platforms for coastal activity.

Quays are one type of harbor structure and are related to, but distinct from, wharves, jetties, and piers. A quay emphasizes the solid, street-level edge along the water and the spaces for docking directly against the structure, while a wharf can refer more generally to the entire platform or deck area, a pier extends out from shore, and a jetty projects into the water to protect a harbor. The exact terminology can vary by country and historical period.

Etymology-wise, the word quay comes from the French quai, meaning a wharf or platform, and is widely used in British English to denote the structure itself. In American English, the terms wharf or dock are often preferred, though many places retain the name “Quay” for historic or ceremonial reasons.

Construction and use vary by location and era. Traditional quays are built of stone or masonry and may include stone steps, bollards for mooring, and warehouse facilities. Modern quays often support container cranes and deep-water berths, reflecting contemporary port logistics.