Where ships dock is a term used to describe the area of a port or harbor where ships can moor and unload cargo. The two most common terms used to describe this area are WHARF and PIER. A WHARF is a structure built along the shoreline of a body of water, typically made of wood or concrete, and used for docking ships. A PIER is a raised platform extending from the shoreline into the water, also used for docking ships.