#breakwater

• Outer harbor — A specially designed, deep water area partially enclosed by breakwaters, located at the main entrance of a harbor or downstream of a river port, intended for temporary ship mooring, turning maneuvers, or absorbing wave energy. In a geo-economic sense, it designates a subsidiary port, often a deep-water one, built at the mouth of an estuary to accommodate modern large vessels that cannot navigate to the main inland port.
• Outer roadstead — An area of water located outside the harbor proper, but partially protected naturally or by outer breakwaters, where ships can safely anchor to wait for entrance into port basins, berth availability, or improved weather conditions; outer roadstead. It represents the first secured maritime point of contact prior to entering an outer harbor or inland port.