Wharfage

What Is Wharfage?

Wharfage is the fee that port authorities charge for using their wharf to load and unload goods to or from a vessel. A wharf is a man-made structure, usually built on piles — slender supports driven into the seabed — that lies parallel to the shoreline. It is typically used for commercial purposes, suitable for large ships.

Wharfage fees are often charged at two points. The outbound fee applies when goods are being loaded onto a vessel, while the inbound fee is charged when goods are unloaded from a vessel. These charges are essential for the upkeep of a wharf facility and to keep maritime logistics operations running smoothly.

Role in shipping and logistics

Wharfage plays a critical role in maritime operations by ensuring that ports can function effectively while managing the flow of goods. It involves charges for using a wharf’s space and facilities and supports diverse cargo types. Wharves provide staging areas for goods and facilitate customs clearance and security checks. They act as a critical link in multimodal transport, streamlining supply chain operations and reducing delays.

Wharfage contributes significantly to port revenue, funding infrastructure maintenance and improvements that attract global trade. Efficient wharf management minimizes congestion, optimizes turnaround times for businesses, and supports economic growth by enabling seamless imports and exports.

Who charges wharfage fees?

The entities responsible for the management and operation of port infrastructure charge wharfage. These include:

Port authorities: Typically government or semi-government organizations that manage and regulate port operations, oversee infrastructure, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. They charge wharfage fees to fund maintenance, security, and port development.
Terminal operators: Private or public entities that lease and manage specific terminals within a port also charge wharfage fees. They often invest in equipment like cranes and storage facilities to optimize operations and manage loading and unloading services to ensure efficient cargo movement.

Who pays wharfage fees?

The following entities may be charged with wharfage fees:

Shippers or consignees: The cost of wharfage is passed on to the cargo owner as part of total shipping costs. Depending on the Incoterm chosen, either the shipper (exporter), the consignee (importer), or both parties may be responsible for these costs. For example, in FOB, the seller covers the origin port wharfage while the buyer covers the destination port wharfage.
Shipping lines: In some cases, shipping companies pay wharfage fees directly to port authorities or terminal operators and recover these costs through surcharges or freight charges.
Freight forwarders or agents: Intermediaries such as freight forwarders and port agents may pay the wharfage fees on behalf of their clients — shippers or consignees — and include it as a component of their service charges.

Components of wharfage fees

Calculation basis

The calculation of wharfage fees is generally based on the following factors:

Weight: The fee may be calculated based on the weight of the cargo if the goods are small but heavy. Heavier shipments often incur higher charges as they contribute more to the wear and tear of the infrastructure.
Volume: For bulky goods that are not necessarily heavy, fees may be based on the volume the cargo occupies. This is usually measured in CBM or cubic meters.
Value: Some ports may charge based on the value of the cargo, especially if the goods require additional security or special handling.
Per unit: A fee may be charged on a per-unit basis, such as per container, ton, or pallet. This makes the calculation simple and clear for standardized shipments.

Additional charges

Apart from the basic wharfage fees, there are additional charges that may apply, including:

Environmental fees: These costs cover pollution control, waste management, and sustainability initiatives, essential for compliance with environmental regulations and maintaining responsible operations.
Terminal handling charges (THC): These fees cover the cost of physically handling the cargo, such as loading or unloading, including any special services required for particular types of goods.
Labor costs: For loading or unloading cargo at a private dock, labor charges are added to the overall wharfage fee.

Factors affecting wharfage fees

The following are the main factors that can affect the calculation of wharfage fees:

Cargo specifications

Heavier or bulky cargo tends to incur higher wharfage fees due to the additional space and resources required for handling and storage. Ports charge fees based on the cubic space the cargo occupies in storage or on the dock.

Cargo type

Specialized cargo types, such as refrigerated or breakbulk, often come with higher fees because they require additional precautions. Similarly, high-value goods and hazardous materials may also attract higher charges because of special handling equipment, security measures, and specific storage requirements.