A wharf, quay, or staith is a structure on the shore of a harbor or on the bank of a river or canal where ships can dock to load and unload cargo or passengers. It typically includes one or more berths, which are mooring locations for ships, as well as other facilities such as piers, warehouses, and cranes for handling cargo. Wharves are often considered to be a series of docks where boats are stationed. They are an important part of the global trade network, as they provide a place for ships to unload and load cargo, and for passengers to embark and disembark. They can also serve as storage facilities for goods, and as hubs for the distribution of goods to other parts of the world.