A place where ships are anchored is called an anchorage.
An anchorage is a specific area, usually in a body of water like an ocean, bay, or river, where vessels can safely lower their anchors to remain stationary. These areas can be naturally occurring, offering suitable depths and protection from currents or weather, or they can be officially designated by maritime authorities for specific purposes.
Purpose and Function of Anchorages
Anchorages are essential for various maritime operations, providing a secure and temporary stopping point for vessels.
- Waiting Periods: Ships frequently use anchorages while waiting for a berth to become available at a busy port, for favorable tides or weather conditions, or for daylight before navigating complex channels.
- Passenger and Cargo Transfer: For large vessels, such as cruise ships, an anchorage allows for the disembarkation of passengers or transfer of cargo to smaller tender boats that can reach shallower ports. For instance, a large cruise ship might wait at an anchorage while passengers use smaller boats to go ashore.
- Shelter from Weather: In adverse weather conditions, ships can anchor to ride out storms more safely and steadily than being adrift in open waters.
- Minor Operations: They can also serve as a location for routine maintenance, crew changes, inspections, or provisioning before proceeding to their next destination.
Anchorage vs. Mooring
While both an anchorage and a mooring involve securing a vessel, they operate differently:
| Feature | Anchorage | Mooring |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Ship uses its own anchor to grip the seabed. | Vessel ties to a fixed, pre-installed buoy/structure. |
| Duration | Typically temporary | Can be temporary or permanent/long-term |
| Ownership | Open water, publicly accessible (often designated) | Often privately owned or leased |
| Control | Ship's crew manages its own anchoring | Managed by port authority or private owner |
Understanding the function of an anchorage is crucial for safe and efficient maritime navigation and port operations. For more information on maritime terms, you can consult reputable sources such as Merriam-Webster.
