WordNet
n. the port from which a ship originates of where it is registered
Wikipedia
A vessel's home port is the port at which it is based, which may not be the same as its port of registry shown on its registration documents and lettered on the stern of the ship's hull. In the cruise industry the term "home port" is also often used in reference to the port in which a ship will take on / change over the majority of its passengers while taking on stores, supplies and fuel.
Usage examples of "home port".
He went on to congratulate me on my wisdom, extolled the advantages of Calpe as a home port, and , forecast a good profit for all concerned.
Her captain and crew were feted as heroes by a grateful Union after their return to home port.
Master Traders often chart their ships' course as the trade develops, some running as long as five years between visits to the home port.
Brashen was thinking that when they tied up in their home port, if Vestrit wasn't ready to step back on as captain again, Brashen would step off the Vivacia's decks for the last time.
The directors of the company had notified him that he would be on the beach as soon as the ship returned to its home port in Fort Lauderdale after its maiden voyage to Sydney and back.
The lettering across the stern could be distinctly seen to identify the vessel's home port as Shanghai.