Maritime Glossary

Berth

A designated place in a port where a vessel moors alongside a quay or pier to load, discharge, or receive services.

Status: ActiveVerified: Source confidence: high (96%)

Full Definition

A berth is a specific location assigned by the terminal operator or port authority, characterised by length, depth alongside, fender type, and available equipment. Under charter-party terms, reaching the berth determines when laytime begins (berth charter), as opposed to arriving at the port (port charter). The berth assignment is coordinated by the port agent, terminal, and VTS.

Domain Tags

portsoperationscommercial