harbor

A harbor is a site on a body of water, usually adjacent to land and sheltered from waves, where ships or other types of boat can dock for loading and unloading of cargo and/or passengers.

The site provides a place for vessels to dock and transfer passengers or cargo. Shelter from waves and adjacency to land are usual characteristics rather than absolute requirements.

A pier is a particular constructed platform or pathway near the water. The harbor is the wider docking site that such structures can serve.