A structure built along a waterfront or extending into a body of water facilitates the loading and unloading of cargo from vessels. This infrastructure serves as a crucial interface between maritime transport and land-based logistics, enabling the efficient transfer of goods. For example, a container ship arriving at a port utilizes the structure to offload its cargo onto trucks or trains for further distribution inland.
These facilities play a vital role in international trade and supply chains. They contribute significantly to economic activity by enabling the movement of raw materials, finished products, and other commodities. Historically, the development of such installations has been intrinsically linked to the growth of trade and the expansion of maritime commerce, providing the necessary infrastructure for global exchange.