Branch dock

They are not isolated from the main dock by gates or locks and they share the same water level.

The purpose of a branch dock is to increase the quayside frontage and space for warehouses, for a given volume of water,[note 1] and without requiring the cost and complexity of more locks.

Branch docks first appeared in the 18th century, but their heyday was in the middle of the 19th century when major Victorian port cities such as Liverpool were constructing their dock systems.

Complex floating harbours were being built that allowed more ships to enter or leave on each tide.

The increased number of ships required more space for loading than a simple rectangular dock When ships began to increase in size after World War II and cargo began to be handled by either bulk carriers or containers, the need for warehouses at docks was reduced.