Wharfage

Wharfage is a charge a port or terminal levies on cargo for passing over or using the wharf, assessed per ton or per container regardless of whether the cargo rests on the wharf or transfers directly between ship and inland transport. It compensates the port authority or terminal operator for the wharf structure, distinct from dockage or berth dues charged against the vessel and from terminal handling charges that cover the lifting work. In US ports wharfage appears in the marine terminal operator’s published tariff, and carriers pass it through to cargo interests as a separate line item on the freight invoice.