A port is a location on a coast or river where ships can dock to load and unload cargo or passengers. Ports are essential for trade, allowing goods to be transported between countries and regions. They often have facilities like warehouses, cranes, and transportation links to roads and railways. Ports can be classified into different types, such as seaports for ocean-going vessels and river ports for inland shipping. Major ports, like the Port of Shanghai or the Port of Los Angeles, play a crucial role in global commerce, handling millions of containers each year.