Wharf facts for kids

A wharf is a strong, permanent structure built next to a lake, a river, or the sea. It's like a special platform or dock that makes it easy for ships to load and unload goods or passengers. Wharves are essential for trade and travel around the world.

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  Canary Wharf in London

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What is a Wharf?

A wharf is a type of dock or pier. It is usually built parallel to the shoreline. This design allows ships to pull up alongside it. Think of it like a parking spot for large boats. Wharves are often made from strong materials. These include wood, concrete, or steel. They need to be tough to handle heavy ships and cargo.

Why are Wharves Important?

Wharves play a big role in moving things around the world. They help connect land transport with water transport. Without wharves, it would be very hard to get goods on and off ships. This would slow down trade and make many products more expensive. They are also used for fishing boats and passenger ferries.

How Wharves Help Ships

When a ship arrives at a wharf, it ties up securely. Special equipment like cranes can then lift containers or other cargo. These items are moved from the ship to the land, or from the land to the ship. Passengers can also easily walk on or off the vessel. This makes the process of loading and unloading much faster and safer.

Types of Wharves

There are different kinds of wharves. Each type is designed for a specific purpose. Some wharves are very long and can handle many ships at once. Others are smaller and used for specific types of boats.

Cargo Wharves

These wharves are built for handling goods. They often have large cranes and storage areas nearby. Cargo wharves are busy places. They move everything from food to cars to electronics. They are a key part of global supply chains.

Passenger Wharves

Passenger wharves are used by ferries and cruise ships. They often have buildings for passengers to wait in. These wharves might also have shops or restaurants. They are designed to make boarding and disembarking easy and comfortable.

Fishing Wharves

Smaller wharves are often found in fishing towns. Fishermen use them to unload their catch. They also use them to refuel their boats. These wharves are important for local economies.

Wharves Around the World

Wharves are found in port cities everywhere. Some of the world's busiest ports have many wharves. These include ports in places like Shanghai, Singapore, and Rotterdam. They are vital for international trade.

Famous Wharves and Their History

Many wharves have a rich history. They have seen countless ships come and go. They have been part of major events, from wars to economic booms. For example, Canary Wharf in London was once a busy dock area. Today, it is a modern business district. However, it still keeps its connection to the water.

Images for kids

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  The Barbours Cut Terminal of the Port of Houston, USA. This cargo shipping terminal has a single large wharf with multiple berths.

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  Traffic sign: Quayside or river bank ahead. Unprotected quayside or riverbank.

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  Quay in Dublin, Ireland. The Irish language term cé is a borrowing from Anglo-Norman kay, cail.

See also

In Spanish: Muelle (construcción) para niños