Wharfinger

A wharfinger is the operator or manager of a wharf, responsible for the berthing of vessels, the receipt and delivery of cargo, the levy of wharfage and dues, and the safe condition of the quay and its equipment. The role predates modern terminal-operator structures and survives in port byelaws and bills of lading, where the wharfinger may hold liability as a bailee for goods stored on the wharf. Duties cover berth allocation, mooring safety, cargo handling, and record-keeping of tonnage passing over the quay. In a modern container or bulk terminal the wharfinger’s functions are split across the terminal operator, the harbor master, and the cargo agents.