GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 24, 2026

Harbor Vessel Services

Efficient port calls depend on a coordinated bundle of support functions – collectively referred to as harbor vessel services.

Quick Answer

Last updated: 24 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_services

Category

Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?

Reading time

1 min

Words

124

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

Efficient port calls depend on a coordinated bundle of support functions – collectively referred to as harbor vessel services. The term covers all operational assistance provided to a ship during its stay in port: pilotage for safe approach and departure, tug assistance for maneuvering, mooring, bunkering, provisioning, fresh water supply, waste reception, and minor repairs or inspections. The ship's agent typically acts as the coordinating hub, ensuring each service is available at the right berth and time on behalf of the vessel operator. Some services are included in standard port dues; others – particularly bunkering and stores – are arranged and invoiced separately. As an umbrella term, harbor vessel services encompasses specialist functions such as pilotage and towage without replacing those more specific designations.

Next steps

Tools that match this term

Compare IncotermsClarify duties, cost and riskOpen Find HS codeDetermine the tariff number for customsOpen Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Calculate transit timeEstimate duration per transport modeOpen

Related Terms

You might also be interested in these terms

Harbor tug services

Harbor tug services provide powered assist vessels to guide large ships through confined port waters during berthing, unberthing, …

Learn more

Harbor Dues

Harbor dues are charges levied by a port authority for a vessel's use of berths, navigation aids, and port infrastructure, general…

Learn more

Harbor Operations Management

When a container vessel berths, dozens of coordinated processes start running simultaneously – that is harbor operations managemen…

Learn more

Harbor Traffic Control

As a containership approaches the breakwater, harbor traffic control – formally known as Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) – is already…

Learn more

Pilot Boarding Time

As a vessel approaches the harbor, it arranges pilot boarding through port authority coordination. Pilot Boarding Time is the prec…

Learn more

Harbor Freight

Efficiently moving goods through a seaport requires coordinating a wide range of services – and that is precisely what the term ha…

Learn more

⚖️ ICC Incoterms 2020

Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?

Analyze all 11 Incoterms 2020: cost matrix, risk timeline, insurance gap detector and customs responsibility – free, no login required.

Incoterms Simulator →

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Weekly: Top news, industry facts and insights from the world of logistics – free.

Harbor Vessel Services

Next steps

Related Terms

Harbor tug services

Harbor Dues

Harbor Operations Management

Harbor Traffic Control

Pilot Boarding Time

Harbor Freight

Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Community Questions & Answers