Wharf vs. Dock — What's the Difference?

A wharf 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. It's typically a single level, made of wood or stone, and directly accessed from the land. A dock, in contrast, is a specific water area between two wharves or extending along the shore and often includes the wharves themselves. It is designed for the mooring, loading, and unloading of boats and ships.

The purpose of a wharf is primarily for the docking and the handling of goods and passengers, acting as the point of transition between sea and land transport. The dock serves a broader purpose, providing safe harbor for vessels to rest or undergo maintenance, as well as a place to load and unload. A dock can contain one or many wharves.

In construction, wharves are built directly on the water’s edge and may extend into the water body to provide access to deeper water for larger vessels. A dock typically refers to the actual water space used by the vessels and can be enclosed by wharves or piers on several sides, with gates to manage water levels and vessel access.

Operationally, the term wharf can refer to a single linear structure, or it may be used more broadly to describe a complex of individual landing places within a port. Docks, on the other hand, are often part of a larger port facility and can be thought of as the water-based component of the facility where ships are secured and sheltered.

Ultimately, while both wharves and docks are integral to maritime operations, a wharf is specifically a loading and unloading point, whereas a dock provides berthing and often encompasses the wharf as part of the larger docking facility.