Explanation
A designated area within a harbor, port, or waterway that provides sufficient space for ships to safely turn around or change direction. These basins are typically found in areas where navigation requires vessels to maneuver in restricted spaces, such as near docks, loading areas, or narrow channels.
a structure built in coastal areas to protect a shoreline, harbor, or anchorage from the impact of waves and storm surges. It serves to create a calm water area behind it, which helps in reducing coastal erosion, protecting anchored ships, and facilitating safe navigation and harbor activities.
Platforms projecting from the shore into the water, allowing tides and currents to flow underneath. Types include working piers, pleasure piers, and fishing piers.
Structures where ships dock to load or unload cargo. Often used interchangeably, though a wharf may include adjacent storage facilities.
A terminal building is a vital facility within a port or harbor designed to handle the processing of passengers and cargo.
A dry dock is a type of dock used for the construction, maintenance, and repair of ships, boats, and other watercraft. Unlike a wet dock where vessels float, a dry dock can be drained of water to expose the ship’s hull, allowing for detailed inspection and repair work below the waterline.
A wet dock, also known simply as a dock, is a water-filled area in a port or harbor where ships are moored for loading, unloading, and sometimes minor repairs. Unlike a dry dock, a wet dock remains filled with water, allowing ships to float and be easily maneuvered.
A wharf, often referred to as a quay, is a structure built along the shoreline of a body of water, typically a river, canal, or harbor. Its primary function is to provide berthing space for ships, allowing them to load and unload cargo or passengers directly onto land.
A pier head refers to the end or extremity of a pier or wharf structure that extends into the water from the shore. It serves as a focal point for various maritime operations and activities, facilitating the docking, berthing, and servicing of ships and other watercraft.
An entrance channel is a navigable waterway that leads from open seas or a main water body into a port or harbor. It is specifically dredged and maintained to accommodate the safe passage of ships, providing a clear and defined route for vessels to enter and exit the port area.
It is a Long structure extending into the water to protect shorelines or provide docking space. Often interchangeable with piers in modern usage.