GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 19, 2026

port of call

A port of call is a scheduled stop made by a vessel at a port during its voyage to discharge or load cargo, take on bunkers, or change crew.

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Last updated: 19 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

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

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Definition & Explanation

A port of call is a scheduled stop made by a vessel at a port during its voyage to discharge or load cargo, take on bunkers, or change crew. It represents a single, clearly defined event within the ship's itinerary – distinct from port rotation, which describes the fixed sequence of ports on a liner service, and from port stay, which covers the vessel's entire time in port from arrival to departure. For freight forwarders and shippers, the port of call is the trigger for terminal coordination, cargo documentation, and customs pre-notification. On multi-port services, a vessel may make several calls before returning to its origin.

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port of call

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