Harbour PNG Images Transparent Background

A harbour, also known as a port, is a water body that serves as a docking place for ships, boats, and other sea vessels. It is an area built in a strategic location where ships can find safe and secure anchorage to unload their cargo and take on new loads for shipping. A harbour always possesses a pier or quay that juts out into deeper waters.

Harbours play a critical role in the global economy as they facilitate international trade by providing vessels with berths to unload their cargo. Shipping goods via sea is a cost-efficient and sustainable option, and harbour infrastructure, which varies in terms of size, location, and capacity, supports this.

Types of Harbours

Harbours can be classified according to their location, construction, or purpose.

The different types of harbours are:

• Coastal harbours: located along coasts and connected to the open sea by an inlet or breakwater.
• Estuarine harbours: formed when a river deposits sediment into the sea, creating a sheltered area where vessels can berth.
• Natural harbours: formed by nature when an indentation of the coastline provides a safe haven for ships.
• Artificial harbours: created using modern engineering tools and techniques and are designed to accommodate vessels with deeper drafts.
• Fishing harbours: dedicated to fishing boats and other small vessels, providing facilities for fish handling and storage.

Functionality of Harbours

Harbours cater to various functionalities other than being a docking area. They provide facilities to support the shipping industry, such as cargo handling and storage, ship maintenance, fueling, and repair services. Harbours also help mitigate natural disasters by providing a safe haven for ships during storms or hurricanes, mitigating loss of life and damage to ships.

In addition, harbours serve as tourist attractions and provide recreational opportunities, such as fishing, boating or visiting art galleries and restaurants situated on the harbour side.

Harbours form a vital aspect of maritime transportation, with the majority of international trade facilitated via sea. They serve as docking locations, storage points, and transit points for various vessels, and their functionality extends beyond transportation to include recreational and tourism opportunities, making them vital components of global commerce and infrastructure.