Port Authority

Definitions #

A government body or public agency that operates and regulates a port, managing land, wharves, and access, setting tariffs, and ensuring safety and security.

Technical The statutory entity responsible for docking and cargo handling in a designated harbor area, including land tenure, pilotage, and pollution control under maritime law.

Example The port authority will levy a new security fee from next month.

Etymology #

From port (haven) and authority (legal power), referencing the official governing body since the 19th century in lawful harbor regulation.

Collocations #

port authority resolution 港务局的决议
port authority dues 港务费
port authority jurisdiction 港务局管辖范围

Real Business Examples #

The port authority has given notice of a tariff increase for container storage.
Vessels are required to submit garbage records to the port authority upon departure.

Register & Variants #

Register: formal
BrE/AmE: 全球通用，但北美常用港务局（Port Authority）特指公私机构

Synonyms & Antonyms #

Synonyms: harbor master, harbour board
Antonyms: private terminal operator

Common Errors #

误以为港务局就是码头运营商港务局管水域和岸线，码头运营常由私人公司（如 PSA、APMT）负责，港务局收取港务费。
忽视港务局的监管权港务局有权扣留船舶、要求清除污染、检查证书，不履行其指令可能被视为违规。

Confusable Terms #

Harbor Master vs Port Authority: 港务局是组织，harbor master 是个人，通常是由港务局任命的官员，负责日常管理与执法。

Frequently Asked Questions

港口费交给谁？?

通常交给港务局或其代理，但码头操作费单独由码头运营商收取，常见于账单拆分。

港务局有执法权吗？?

大多数港区法规给港务局执法权，如签发罚款、拘留违规船舶，但重大刑事案件由警方介入。

Published: 2026-10-04 Category: Shipping