Crossword Genius

Reportedly crucial place for loading and unloading ships (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

quay

'place for loading and unloading ships' is the definition.

'reportedly crucial' is the wordplay.
'reportedly' shows a homophone (sound like).
'crucial' becomes 'key' (I've seen this in another clue).
'key' is a homophone of 'QUAY'.

(Other definitions for quay that I've seen before include "Dock, wharf" , "Some of port" , "Landing area" , "Jetty" , "Pier" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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