In this article, we will try to understand different hubs in porting and shipping. Each of them has its specific characteristics and functions. Let us explore them in detail.
Harbour: A harbour is a protected body of water where boats can moor, find cover, and perform loading and unloading operations. It offers defence against the open ocean and poor weather. Harbours can be either naturally occurring or man-made structures found along coastlines.
Port: A sea port or maritime port is a facility located on or near a coast or shoreline. It serves as a hub for maritime trade and transportation. It is a point of connection between land and water that helps cargo loading and unloading and helps transfer goods and passengers between ships and land-based transportation systems.
Terminal: A terminal is a dedicated space inside a port or harbour where certain operations like cargo processing, passenger embarkation and debarkation, and vessel maintenance happen. They can be specialised to handle particular types of goods (such as bulk, container, or oil terminals) or passenger traffic (such as cruise or ferry terminals).
Berth: An area within a port or terminal where ships moor or anchor is called a berth. It is a designated area with the necessary infrastructure and facilities for a vessel to dock, load or unload cargo, and receive services like maintenance or refuelling. Berths might vary in size and capacity, depending on the sort of vessel they handle.
Quay: A quay is a building constructed along the shoreline of a harbour or port. It is also known as a wharf or a waterfront. It functions as a platform for ships to dock next to one another and to load or unload cargo. Quays often have a solid and elevated surface to transfer cargo and people between the ships and the ground. Quays may include cranes, storage facilities, and other cargo tools.
Pier: Similar to a quay, a pier stretches perpendicular to the shore and is often smaller. It is an elevated structure that ships may dock alongside, supported by pillars or pilings. Piers are frequently used for passenger transportation, such as ferry terminals or recreational areas, although they can also handle a small number of goods.
Jetty: An object that extends into the water from the beach is called a jetty, and it often consists of a wall or a string of pilings. Jetties are utilised for protection, regulating water currents, or providing a harbour entry. They can construct navigable channels for vessels to enter a port or harbour and offer additional shelter.
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Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on July 4, 2023.
