Wharf

For other uses, see Wharf (disambiguation).

"Quay" and "Wharves" redirect here. For other uses, see Quay (disambiguation) and Wharves (song).

The Barbours Cut Terminal of the Port of Houston, U.S. This cargo shipping terminal has a single large wharf with multiple berths.

Wharf under construction on the Upper Mississippi in Fountain City, Wisconsin

A wharf (pl. wharves or wharfs), quay (/kiː/ KEE, or /k(w)eɪ/ K(W)AY), staith, or staithe is a structure on the shore of a harbor or on the bank of a river or canal where ships may dock to load and unload cargo or passengers. Such a structure includes one or more berths (mooring locations), and may also include piers, warehouses, or other facilities necessary for handling the ships. Wharves are often considered to be a series of docks at which boats are stationed. A marginal wharf is connected to the shore along its full length.