Berth

In maritime and port terminology, a berth refers to a designated location at a dock or quay where a ship can be secured or moored. It is a specific area along the waterfront where vessels, ranging from cargo ships to cruise liners, can dock for loading or unloading operations.

Berths are typically equipped with mooring facilities such as bollards, cleats, and fenders to secure the vessel in place. The availability and size of berths vary among ports, and they are designed to accommodate different types and sizes of ships.

The process of allocating berths is a crucial aspect of port management and involves coordinating vessel arrivals and departures to optimize available dock space. Berths may be specialized for certain types of cargo handling, such as container berths for container ships or bulk cargo berths for vessels transporting commodities like coal or grain.

Efficient berth management contributes to the overall productivity of a port, ensuring a smooth flow of goods between ships and the port's transportation infrastructure.