Home port

For other uses, see Home Port (disambiguation).

A vessel's home port is the port at which it is based, which may not be the same as its port of registry^[1] shown on its registration documents^[2] and lettered on the stern of the ship's hull.^[3] In the cruise industry the term "home port" is also often used in reference to the port in which a ship will take on / change over the majority of its passengers while taking on stores, supplies and fuel.^[4]

Port of registry Port aux Français lettered beneath the ship name on the stern

Navy

In a navy, a ship's home port is the port best suited to provide maintenance and restock weaponry particular to ships of that class and build. On conclusion of a tour of duty, a combat vessel returning to port will usually return to its home port.^{[citation needed]} A single home port also makes it easier for family to visit sailors on leave.

See also

• Transport portal

• List of largest container shipping companies
• Flag of convenience