Online Encyclopedia
Port
For articles about other uses of port, please see Port (disambiguation).
A Port is a facility at the edge of an ocean, river, or lake for receiving ships and transferring cargo and persons to them. A seaport is a major facility for the loading, unloading, and movement of cargo to and from oceanic ships. The term also refers to a city with such a facility. A river port is a major facility in a city, for the loading, unloading, and movement of cargo to and from cargo ships. The term also refers to a city with such a facility. The term airport is derived from port although the word port is not used to describe an airport.
Critical to the functioning of seaports and river ports are:
- Presence of deep water channels (40 feet minimum) and berths
- Protection from wind, wave, and surge
- Access to intermodal transportation (trains and trucks)
Seaports and river ports are often equipped with large cranes for the loading and unloading of containers from container ships. These are usually operated by longshoremen. Pilots and tugboats are also used to safely maneuver the ships in tight quarters.
A Fishing Port is a type of port or harbor facility particularly suitable for landing and distributing fish.
Equipment such as cranes and refrigerated storage may be provided by private interests or public bodies. Often canneries or other processing facilities will be located very close by.