Nautical Term: Dock

Definition of Dock

A designated area along the shoreline or an artificial structure built for the purpose of securing and sheltering boats, ships, or other watercraft. ‘Wet’ docks, also referred to as ‘floating’ docks, are commonly used in commercial harbors for the loading and unloading of cargo ships. These types of docks allow the water level to rise and fall with the tide, making it easier for ships to dock and undock without the need for complex docking infrastructure.

For example: The commercial port of New York City is equipped with a vast network of wet docks, which are utilized for the loading and unloading of cargo ships. The water level in these docks rises and falls with the tide, making it easier for ships to dock and undock without the need for complex docking infrastructure. During the peak shipping season, hundreds of cargo ships use the wet docks at the New York City port to load and unload their cargo, which is then transported to various destinations throughout the country and beyond.

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