Wharf vs. Landing: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 30, 2024
A wharf is a structure along the shore for docking ships, while a landing is a place where boats can load and unload passengers or goods, often more general and less permanent.
Key Differences
A wharf is a man-made structure built along the shore or projecting into the water, where ships can dock to load and unload cargo or passengers. Wharves are typically found in ports and harbors, constructed with reinforced materials to handle the weight and volume of large vessels. A landing, on the other hand, refers to any place where boats can dock temporarily to load or unload passengers or goods. It is a more general term that can apply to simple and less permanent structures, such as docks, piers, or even natural shorelines.
Wharves are usually more complex and durable, equipped with facilities for cargo handling and storage. They are crucial in international trade and maritime commerce. Conversely, landings are often found in smaller ports, marinas, and ferry terminals, catering to local or regional traffic.
In terms of usage, wharves are associated with commercial and industrial purposes, while landings are often linked to personal, recreational, and local transit needs. The permanence and infrastructure of wharves contrast with the simplicity and flexibility of landings.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Structure for docking ships at ports
Place for boats to load/unload passengers or goods
Usage
Commercial shipping and industrial purposes
Local, recreational, and regional transit
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Construction
Permanent, reinforced materials
Can be simple and less permanent
Location
Ports and harbors
Marinas, small ports, ferry terminals
Facilities
Equipped for cargo handling and storage
Basic docking facilities
Wharf and Landing Definitions
Wharf
A structure where ships dock to load and unload.
The cargo ship is moored at the wharf, unloading its goods.
Landing
A simple structure or natural area for loading/unloading.
The canoeists found a landing to rest and have lunch.
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Wharf
A docking area in a harbor for maritime operations.
The fishing fleet returns to the wharf every evening.
Landing
A place where boats can dock temporarily.
The ferry approaches the landing to pick up passengers.
Wharf
A port facility for shipping activities.
They expanded the wharf to improve port capacity.
Landing
A docking point for small boats and recreational vessels.
The landing is popular with weekend boaters.
Wharf
A reinforced platform along the shore or water.
The wharf was busy with workers handling freight.
Landing
A designated spot for boats to access the shore.
The old wooden landing has been used for decades.
Wharf
A built structure for maritime commerce.
The new wharf can accommodate larger container ships.
Landing
The act or process of coming to land or rest, especially after a voyage or flight.
Wharf
A pier where ships or boats are tied up and loaded or unloaded.
Landing
A termination, especially of a voyage or flight.
Wharf
(Obsolete) A shore or riverbank.
Landing
A site for loading and unloading passengers and cargo.
Wharf
To moor (a vessel) at a wharf.
Landing
Landings An amount of fish or shellfish harvested in a particular place during a particular period.
Wharf
To take to or store (cargo) on a wharf.
Landing
An intermediate platform on a flight of stairs.
Wharf
To furnish, equip, or protect with wharves or a wharf.
Landing
The area at the top or bottom of a staircase.
Wharf
To berth at a wharf.
Landing
An arrival at a surface, as of an airplane or any descending object.
Wharf
A man-made landing place for ships on a shore or river bank.
Landing
A place on a shoreline where a boat lands.
Fleet landing
Wharf
The bank of a river, or the shore of the sea.
Landing
A level area at the top of a flight of stairs, or connecting one flight with another.
Wharf
(transitive) To secure by a wharf.
Landing
Present participle of land
Wharf
(transitive) To place on a wharf.
Landing
Of, pertaining to, or used for, setting, bringing, or going, on shore.
Wharf
A structure or platform of timber, masonry, iron, earth, or other material, built on the shore of a harbor, river, canal, or the like, and usually extending from the shore to deep water, so that vessels may lie close alongside to receive and discharge cargo, passengers, etc.; a quay; a pier.
Commerce pushes its wharves into the sea.
Out upon the wharfs they came,Knight and burgher, lord and dame.
Landing
A going or bringing on shore.
Wharf
The bank of a river, or the shore of the sea.
Landing
A place for landing, as from a ship, a carriage. etc.
Wharf
To guard or secure by a firm wall of timber or stone constructed like a wharf; to furnish with a wharf or wharfs.
Landing
The level part of a staircase, at the top of a flight of stairs, or connecting one flight with another.
Wharf
To place upon a wharf; to bring to a wharf.
Landing
The act or process of bringing an aircraft to land after having been in the air; as, the pilot made a perfect three-point landing. Contrasted with take-off.
Wharf
A platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
Landing
An intermediate platform in a staircase
Wharf
Provide with a wharf;
Wharf the mouth of the river
Landing
Structure providing a place where boats can land people or goods
Wharf
Store on a wharf;
Wharf the merchandise
Landing
The act of coming down to the earth (or other surface);
The plane made a smooth landing
His landing on his feet was catlike
Wharf
Discharge at a wharf;
Wharf the passengers
Landing
The act of coming to land after a voyage
Wharf
Come into or dock at a wharf;
The big ship wharfed in the evening
Landing
An area used for local maritime transit.
The tour boat waits at the landing for its next group.
Wharf
Moor at a wharf;
The ship was wharfed
FAQs
What is a wharf?
A wharf is a man-made structure along the shore where ships dock to load and unload cargo or passengers.
Where can you find landings?
Landings are commonly found in marinas, small ports, ferry terminals, and recreational areas.
How are wharves constructed?
Wharves are built with reinforced materials to handle the weight and volume of large vessels, often including cargo handling facilities.
What purposes do wharves serve?
Wharves serve commercial shipping, industrial operations, and international trade by providing docking and cargo handling facilities.
Can a landing be a natural area?
Yes, a landing can be a natural shoreline used for docking boats temporarily.
Do wharves have storage facilities?
Yes, wharves often have facilities for cargo handling and storage.
Are landings used for commercial shipping?
Landings are typically not used for large-scale commercial shipping but for local, regional, and recreational purposes.
What is a landing?
A landing is a place where boats can load and unload passengers or goods, which can be less permanent and simpler than a wharf.
What kind of boats use landings?
Smaller boats, recreational vessels, and local ferries commonly use landings.
Do wharves support large vessels?
Yes, wharves are designed to support large vessels and heavy cargo operations.
Are landings equipped with extensive facilities?
Landings typically have basic facilities, unlike wharves which are more extensively equipped.
What type of infrastructure is associated with wharves?
Wharves have complex infrastructure, including reinforced platforms and cargo handling systems.
Do landings handle international shipping?
No, landings are generally not used for international shipping; they serve local and regional needs.
Is a wharf permanent?
Yes, wharves are usually permanent structures designed for long-term use.
Can a landing be part of a larger port?
Yes, a landing can be part of a larger port, providing docking for smaller vessels.
Can wharves be used for recreational purposes?
While primarily for commercial use, some wharves can accommodate recreational activities.
Are landings suitable for all types of boats?
Landings are suitable for smaller and recreational boats, not typically for large commercial ships.
How do wharves enhance port operations?
Wharves enhance port operations by providing dedicated structures for efficient cargo handling and vessel docking.
What distinguishes a wharf in a harbor?
A wharf in a harbor is a specifically built structure for docking and cargo operations, distinct from general docking areas.
What is the primary difference between a wharf and a landing?
A wharf is a permanent structure for commercial use, while a landing is a more general and often simpler docking point for various boats.
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
