Like a ship taking many to port (5)

I believe the answer is:

laden

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'like a ship' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'many to port' is the wordplay.
'many' becomes 'l'.
'to port' becomes 'aden' (port in Yemen).
'l'+'aden'='LADEN'

'taking' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for laden that I've seen before include "fully charged" , "Loaded - oppressed" , "bearing burden" , "Freighted" , "Carrying a load" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail and The Irish News.

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