Every working port needs places to stop. A berth is a designated space alongside a quay, pier, or jetty where a ship can moor to load, unload, or lie idle.

Berths are described by length, depth alongside, cargo equipment, and sometimes by the type of ship they serve—container, tanker, or bulk. Port control assigns berths according to schedule, draft, and cargo readiness. Waiting for a berth can cost owners thousands of dollars a day in demurrage or lost time.

Once alongside, the ship runs mooring lines, connects shore services if available, and begins cargo work. Safe berthing requires adequate fendering, sufficient water depth at all states of tide, and clear communication between ship and shore. A berth that looks free on the chart may still be unavailable because of congestion or maintenance.

• Designated docking space for a ship
• Defined by length, depth, and equipment
• Assigned by port authorities according to need
• Requires safe mooring and adequate depth