Admiral's Atlas

Port of Nelson

PortsLast updated: 31 August 2026

Nelson is a harbor behind a breakwater in New Zealand, registered under the UN/LOCODE code NZNSN.

This is a directory stub generated from the UN/LOCODE registry; a fuller write-up has not yet been added.

Port characteristics

Size / type
Small, Coastal, breakwater
Shelter
Good
Entrance restrictions
Affected by tide, other factors
Overhead limitations
Bridges or power cables present
Charted depths
  • Channel6.4–7.6 m (21–25 ft)
  • Anchorage11.0–12.2 m (36–40 ft)
  • Cargo pier7.9–9.1 m (26–30 ft)
  • Oil/LNG terminal7.9–9.1 m (26–30 ft)
Terminal infrastructure
  • Cargo handlingCargo pier charted (7.9–9.1 m (26–30 ft))
  • Oil / LNG handlingOil/LNG terminal charted (7.9–9.1 m (26–30 ft))

Container-terminal handling is not classified by the WPI dataset, so this entry does not infer it.

Mean tidal range
2 m
Max. vessel size
Over 152 m (500 ft) length
Also noted
turning area available

Facilities and services

The port is a first port of entry and requires an ETA message. Pilotage is compulsory and available. Assist tugs are available. Pratique and a deratting certificate are available. Communications include telephone, telegraph, radio, radiotelephone, and air. Cargo can be worked at wharves.

The port offers medical facilities, garbage disposal, and dirty ballast reception. Fixed and mobile cranes are available, with lift capacity of up to 24 tons. Available services include longshore labor. Supplies on offer include provisions, water, fuel oil, and diesel oil.

Repair capability is rated limited, there is a small drydock, and a medium marine railway.

See also

Notes and references

  1. NGA Pub. 150, World Port Index, 27th ed. (2019), index no. 55290, Pub. 127. Port characteristics are historical reference data; verify current depths, restrictions, facilities, and services with official notices.
  2. NGA World Port Index database (WPI.mdb), 2019. Facilities and services data.
  3. Record status: WPI-classified port.