Legal Definitions - anchorage

The term anchorage refers to two distinct concepts in maritime law:

• First, it describes a designated area in a body of water where vessels can safely drop anchor and remain stationary, often while waiting for a berth, for favorable weather, or for other operational reasons.

• Second, it refers to a fee or charge levied on a shipowner for the privilege of using a port's facilities, specifically including the right to anchor within its waters.

Examples:

• Imagine a large container ship arriving at a very busy port. All the docking berths are currently occupied. The port authority might direct the ship to a specific, marked anchorage area several miles offshore, where it can safely wait for a few days until a dock becomes available to unload its cargo. This illustrates anchorage as a physical location where ships can safely wait.

• During an unexpected severe storm, a fleet of small fishing boats operating near the coast might seek immediate shelter. They could head for a well-known, naturally protected bay with good holding ground, which serves as a reliable anchorage where they can drop their anchors and safely ride out the rough seas. Here, anchorage refers to a safe haven for vessels.

• When a luxury yacht sails into the harbor of a popular island destination and drops anchor for an overnight stay, its owner will typically be charged an anchorage fee by the local port authority. This fee covers the use of the designated anchoring space within the harbor and contributes to the maintenance and management of the port's navigable waters. This demonstrates anchorage as a financial charge for using port facilities.