A wharf is an artificial structure built along the shoreline and extended into the water body. They are built so that vehicles can easily load/unload passengers and cargo.
Wharfage, also called Cargo Dues, is the general term to denote the fees charged by ocean carriers for its use. It is meant to cover the port authority’s costs that are associated with maintaining, operating, and improving these port facilities. Wharfage is often applied twice – at the port of origin and destination port.
Wharfage charges are the terms used to specify the fees levied on cargo or vessels for utilizing the wharf facilities. There are multiple types of cargo, which determine the relevant wharfage charges.
For instance, General Wharfage is charged for general cargo, which are smaller items that are often not containerized. Container wharfage is charged for standard containers, while Bulk Cargo Wharfage is charged for unpacked or loose bulk cargo, usually transported in large quantities. There is also Ro-Ro Wharfage, a special charge for "roll on/roll off" items, referring to wheeled vehicles easily rolled on and off the ship.
Apart from the cargo type, wharfage charges depend on the cargo’s weight and value. Special or heavier cargo requires more resources for loading and unloading, and higher-value cargo will garner higher costs, due to the need for insurance and additional security precautions.
The vessel's size can lead to differences in wharfage charges, as bigger vessels may require greater infrastructural and operational demands.
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