Ship's docking place (4)
I believe the answer is:
pier
'ship's docking place' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for pier that I've seen before include "Buttress; landing place" , "Seaside platform" , "Promenade over water" , "Mole, wall between windows" , "One jutting into sea" .)