Wharf

A wharf is a berthing structure built parallel to the shoreline along which vessels lie alongside to load and discharge, distinguished from a pier or jetty that projects out from the shore. It can be a solid gravity or sheet-pile quay wall, or an open piled deck on a relieving platform, carrying the apron, mooring fittings, crane rails, and cargo gear. The form gives a continuous quay face and backup yard, suited to general cargo, container, and bulk terminals. Deck live loads for a container apron run about 30 to 60 kN/m2, with the wall designed to BS 6349 for earth pressure plus surcharge, fender, and bollard loads. In US usage wharf and quay are often interchangeable.