Wharfage is a fee charged by a port or terminal operator for using the wharf to move cargo across the port area. The wharf is where ships are moored and unmoored. So, wharfage charges act as rent you pay for occupying port space while your goods are loaded or unloaded.
Wharfage fee is calculated based on the cargo’s weight or volume, although some ports may charge based on container units or specific cargo types like bulk goods or liquids. Since beverages are typically transported in containers or as palletized cargo, wharfage charges add to the landed cost of the shipment.