Definition

1. Noun:
   • A structure or area in a harbor where ships can be loaded, unloaded, repaired, or moored: A "docking facility" is a designated place, often with piers, wharves, or docks, that provides services for vessels.
   • A landing area with gates to control water levels: It may refer specifically to a dock or basin with gates (like a lock or caisson) that can be opened or closed to manage water flow for ship maintenance.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The large cargo ship slowly approached the docking facility to unload its containers.
  • The city invested in a new docking facility to accommodate the growing number of cruise ships.
  • The damaged vessel was towed to the repair docking facility for servicing.

Advanced Usage

• "Dry docking facility": A specific type of docking facility that can be drained of water, allowing ships to be worked on below the waterline.
  • The naval vessel entered the dry docking facility for a complete hull inspection.

Variants and Related Words

• Dock (n): A general term for a structure where a ship may be moored. Often used synonymously with "docking facility" in casual contexts.
  • The ferry is at the dock.
• Pier (n): A platform extending from the shore over water, used as a landing place.
• Wharf (n): A level quayside area to which a ship may be moored to load and unload.
• Berth (n): A designated location in a port or harbor where a vessel can be moored.

Synonyms

• Harbor installation
• Mooring
• Quay
• Jetty

Related Phrases

• To enter a docking facility: The act of a ship moving into the designated dock area.
  • The captain skillfully guided the tanker to enter the docking facility.
• Docking procedures: The set of rules and actions for safely mooring a ship.
  • The crew reviewed the docking procedures before arrival.

Noun

1. landing in a harbor next to a pier where ships are loaded and unloaded or repaired; may have gates to let water in or out
   • the ship arrived at the dock more than a day late