GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 9, 2026

At-Sea Port Operations

Port operations cover the logistical and operational tasks involved in handling cargo—containers, breakbulk, and bulk goods—at maritime terminals.

Quick Answer

Last updated: 9 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://unctad.org/topic/transport-and-trade-logistics/glossary

Next steps

Matching tools and partners

Check demurrage/detentionCalculate standing charges and free timeOpen Find HS codeDetermine the tariff number for customsOpen Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Find a matching partnerFreight forwarders and logistics partners worldwideOpen

Related Terms

You might also be interested in these terms

Port regulations

Shipping lines, freight forwarders, terminal operators, and all other parties working within a port are bound by port regulations,…

Learn more

Port Call

Shipping companies and port operators plan every port call as a distinct, time-critical event in a vessel's voyage schedule: arriv…

Learn more

port environmental protection

Port environmental protection is the collective term for the technical, operational, and regulatory measures through which port op…

Learn more

Maritime Port Call Optimization Systems

Shorter berth idle times and less resource waste in port operations are achieved by digitally connecting all parties involved in a…

Learn more

Port Infrastructure Charge

A port infrastructure charge is a fee levied by port authorities or terminal operators to fund the construction, maintenance, and …

Learn more

port fee

A vessel docks in Hamburg, occupies a berth for two days, and the port invoice lists six separate line items – those are port fees…

Learn more

Connect

Find a matching partner on this lane

Verified forwarders, ranked by coverage and profile — premium capped at 10%.

Search partners

Related News

Transport

Only Around 50 Percent On-Time – Yet Sea Freight Remains Expensive

Only 56.4 percent schedule reliability and an average delay of over six days: Unreliable timetables remain an expensive problem for freight transport.

Sep 8, 202625131 min

Regulatory

Samsung Demands at Least $186 Million from CMA CGM

Samsung is demanding at least $186 million from CMA CGM for disputed ancillary charges on door-to-door transportation services in the USA. The case has not yet been decided.

Sep 8, 202624321 min

Operational Alerts

Up to Ten Days Waiting Time at China's Container Ports

Ships are backing up at major container ports in China. Additional time buffers should be planned for shipments from Shanghai and Ningbo.

Sep 7, 202626981 min

Hay from Canada: 45-Day Transport Journey to Switzerland

Country Report

Partner

Hay from Canada: 45-Day Transport Journey to Switzerland

Hay from Canada is suddenly becoming interesting for Swiss farmers. The approximately 45-day transport chain runs via rail, ship, and truck.

Aug 31, 202622211 min

Operational Alerts

1.7 Million TEU Shortage: Port Congestion Consuming Capacity Like a Major Shipping Line

Delayed vessels are tying up approximately 1.7 million TEU of capacity worldwide. Despite the addition of many new ships, this creates tight capacity constraints, delays, and downward pressure on freight rates.

Aug 27, 202635291 min

Operational Alerts

Six German Sea Ports Enter 24-Hour Warning Strike

Starting Monday evening, 24-hour strikes will take place at six German seaports. Container terminals and hinterland transport must expect delays

Aug 17, 202648261 min

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.

At-Sea Port Operations

Next steps

Related Terms

Port regulations

Port Call

port environmental protection

Maritime Port Call Optimization Systems

Port Infrastructure Charge

port fee

Find a matching partner on this lane

Related News

Only Around 50 Percent On-Time – Yet Sea Freight Remains Expensive

Samsung Demands at Least $186 Million from CMA CGM

Up to Ten Days Waiting Time at China's Container Ports

Hay from Canada: 45-Day Transport Journey to Switzerland

1.7 Million TEU Shortage: Port Congestion Consuming Capacity Like a Major Shipping Line

Six German Sea Ports Enter 24-Hour Warning Strike

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Community Questions & Answers