dock-dues
Definition
Noun (plural, often treated as a singular noun): - Tax or fee for port use: "dock-dues" refers to charges levied on ships or cargo for the use of a dock, harbor, or port facilities. These are fees paid by ship owners or merchants for docking, unloading, or loading goods.
Usage Examples
- (Fees required for using the port.)
- (The amount depends on the ship's size.)
Advanced Usage
"to pay dock-dues": to settle the port fees.
- All vessels must pay dock-dues upon arrival. (Ships must pay the required fees when they enter the harbor.)
"exemption from dock-dues": a legal waiver of these fees.
- Small fishing boats often receive exemption from dock-dues. (They are not required to pay the tax.)
Variants and Related Words
Dockage (n): the charge for using a dock.
- The dockage fee is included in the dock-dues. (The cost for docking is part of the total tax.)
Dock (n): a structure where ships are loaded, unloaded, or repaired.
- The ship entered the dock to pay its dues. (The vessel moved into the port area.)
Synonyms
- Port dues: fees charged for using a port.
- Harbor fees: charges for entering or using a harbor.
- Wharfage: a fee for using a wharf (similar to dock-dues).
Related Idioms
- "Dock-dues are no small change": an idiomatic expression meaning that such fees are significant or expensive.
- For a large cargo ship, dock-dues are no small change. (The fees are substantial.)
Phrasal Verbs
Pay off dock-dues: to settle the fees completely.
- The company paid off the dock-dues to avoid penalties. (They cleared the debt.)
Charge dock-dues: to impose the fees.
- The port authority charges dock-dues on all commercial vessels. (They apply the tax.)