What Is The Difference Between A Harbor and A Port?

Some sections of a lake or sea are often designated for docking of ships, parking, and loading and offloading of cargo. These sections, known as ports or harbors, attract a large number of vessels throughout the year and are considered the major commercial and recreational sections of the water body. Harbors and ports are often confused or assumed to mean one and the same place because they are both used by ships. Although they may serve the same functions, the two are slightly different; while ports are strictly man-made, harbors can either be natural or man-made. However, both a port and a harbor can be used for activities relating to development, administration, and commerce.

What Is a Port?

A port can be defined as a section on the shores of a sea connecting land with the water bodies and used for handling cargo. It is equipped with warehouses for storage, cranes for loading and offloading goods, and docks for parking ship. A port also has other amenities such as hotels, restaurants, and customs facilities. It is attached to a transport system like railways and roads where goods are transported to other destinations. There are different types of ports including fishing ports, inland ports (linked to a canal or river), and dry ports which are connected to a transport system.

What Is a Harbor?

A harbor is a section along the coastline where the ship and other water vessels are parked or stored. A harbor can either be natural or man-made. It consists of a thick wall that protects the sheep from waves and currents. Natural harbors are surrounded by land on most sides and have entrance points to the sea while an artificial harbor is a constructed platform that may serve as a port. Harbors can also be used for recreational facilities for yacht owners. The size of the harbor depends on the number of vessels stored.

Differences Between a Port and a Harbor

Function

A port is a commercial section on the shores of a sea with facilities such as cranes, warehouse, and docks that support trade and transport. A harbor is a place on the shores which offers storage or parking for water vessels. A port is a valued commercial asset to any country bordering a coastline while a harbor is a valuable storage facility for the ship. Ports also have onshore facilities such as hotels and restaurants while harbors may or may not have these facilities.

Creation

Ports are mainly man-made. They are constructed and the equipment such as cranes and warehouse are installed for ease of operation and trade. Ports are located close to the land facilities and where water is navigable. Harbors can either be natural or man-made. In ancient times, cities were built around the harbors. Some ports are also built on harbors while harbors cannot be built on ports.

Significance

Some of the natural harbors like Sydney Harbour, New York Harbor, and Pearl Harbor have both recreational and historical significance. They are popular destinations and tourist attractions. They play an important role in promoting tourism. Ports are all over the world and encourage mainly trade and commerce between countries.