Tonnage duty is a tax on a ship's weight or capacity and is sometimes referred to as "tonnage tax" or "vessel tax." Other synonyms for tonnage duty include "ship levy," "cargo tax," "port tax," and "harbor dues." In some countries, the term "lighterage dues" is used to refer to the charges imposed to move a ship's cargo to or from the quayside. Regardless of the exact phrasing, the concept of tonnage duty remains the same - the charge imposed on vessels as they enter ports or harbors is based on their size, tonnage, or cargo, and is intended to help cover the costs associated with maintaining infrastructure and support services.