Deepwater Port
Port with sufficient draft (typically >= 14 m) to accept VLCC, ULCC, ULCV, and Capesize vessels.
In practice
Deep-draft terminals (typical 15-22 m alongside) handle VLCCs, ULCVs, Capesize. Pilot embarks farther from the berth; tug requirements are higher. Terminals often impose stricter mooring-line standards (OCIMF MEG4).
Regulatory detail & full definition
A deepwater port is a port or terminal with sufficient depth alongside — typically well over 15 metres — to accept the largest deep-drafted ships, such as fully laden Capesize bulkers, VLCC tankers and Ultra Large Container Vessels. Achieving and keeping such depth usually requires capital and maintenance dredging or a naturally deep approach, and examples include Rotterdam's Maasvlakte, Singapore, and dedicated iron-ore and crude terminals. Where no deepwater berth is available, large ships must instead work at offshore buoys or transfer part of their cargo by lighterage to reduce draft.
Related
Source: Industry usage; port-authority publications
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