Pier

A pier is a berthing structure projecting from the shore, usually at an angle to the shoreline, offering berthing on one or both faces. A piled pier carries a deck on piles over the water; a solid pier is a filled or gravity structure. Piers extend berth length and reach deeper water than a shore-parallel quay, and a finger pier serves two ships either side of one structure. The deck carries the apron, mooring fittings, and cargo gear, with fenders sized to the design vessel’s berthing energy. Spacing between piers sets the berth pocket width, which must clear the design beam plus a maneuvering margin. Design follows BS 6349-2.