wharf

thumb|right|The Barbours Cut Terminal of the [[Port of Houston, US. This cargo shipping terminal has a single large wharf with multiple berths.]] thumb|Wharf under construction on the Upper Mississippi River|Upper Mississippi in [[Fountain City, Wisconsin]]

A wharf ( or wharfs), quay ( , also ), staith, or staithe is a structure on the shore of a harbour or on the bank of a river or canal where ships may dock to load and unload cargo or passengers. Such a structure includes one or more berths (mooring locations), and may also include piers, warehouses, or other facilities necessary for handling the ships. Wharves are often considered to be a series of docks at which boats are stationed. A marginal wharf is connected to the shore along its full length.