Eastland Port

1. Gisborne pilot boarding place Pilot boards38°43.5′S 178°01.4′E

Size limits

LOA 184.75m, beam 32.2m, draught 10.0m, 42,541DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Neaps 1.22m, springs 1.37m. In Poverty Bay the tidal streams are barely perceptible, the S going stream circulates anti clockwise around the bay with an eddy in the reverse direction close of the N shore.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

Voluntary Code: (Refer to "Country Information").

Directions: The harbour is approached through Poverty Bay and entered by a channel dredged to 10.1m, which passes NW of the foul grounds (38°41.3'S 178°00.5'E), then into the harbour between the breakwaters.

The depth on the bar has been dredged to 10.5m, channel length 1nm with a width of 92.4m.

Note: Due to maintenance dredging, the current depth should be obtained from the port authority.

Caution: Long period swells can significantly reduce under keel clearance in the approaches, mariners should proceed with caution when such swell conditions are experienced.

Port limits

All the area of water inside a line drawn from the E most point of Young Nicks Head to Tuahine Point, or anchorage 38°43.8'S 177°58.6'E. Port waters include Turanganui River, but not other rivers.

Traffic schemes and VTS

The signal station should be contacted approx 30 minutes prior to pilot boarding time, with instructions regarding pilot ladders, etc.

Anchorages

Recommended anchorage is at Poverty Bay. The N part of Poverty Bay comprises Gisborne Roads, which is available but no longer used. The roadstead is exposed to SE winds which, even when light, send in a heavy sea. Vessels should remain at immediate notice to shift berth and, if the bay becomes rough, get under way.

Deep draught vessels can anchor in a depth of 20.0m, fine sand with Tuaheni Point Light (38°42.1'S 178°03.9'E) bearing 084° distance 3.1nm. This anchorage is available but is not usually used.

Prohibited anchorage exist within 1.5nm radius of Easland Harbour Front Leading Light (38°40.5'S 178°59.3'E) and in the vicinity of a submarine pipeline, which extends 0.6nm SW from a position on the shore, 1nm SE of S Breakwater Head Light (38°40.7'S 178°01.1'E).

Restrictions

Vessels with an LOA greater than 180m, are permitted to berth in daylight only, subject to pilot's discretion. Vessels less than 5.6m draught are handled at any stage of the tide.

Woodchip vessels berth in daylight only, unless special circumstances apply.

Tugs

Two tugs are available, one is equipped for fire fighting. Tugs join outside the breakwaters.

Mooring

Vessels are recommended to berth bows SW. Once in the turning basin, vessels are turned through 180° and moved astern to either Berths No 6, 7 or 8, portside alongside, with tugs assisting.

Swell sometimes causes vessels to surge alongside but suitable berthing hawsers are provided by the port authorities.

The max wind speed for berthing is basically 15kts depending on direction, the size, configuration and freeboard of the vessel.

Charts and publications

BA NZ55, NZ5571, 4600. Admiralty Pilot NP51, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

ETA should be sent at least 24 hours in advance and before 1600 hours Friday for a weekend arrival. Vessels should send their max draught before entering the harbour.

Communications

The working channel for the Port is Ch12. Gisborne Harbour Radio watches Chs12 & 16 during the approx. hours of 0800 to 1700 Monday to Friday. At times, when Gisborne Harbour Radio is not manned, ships should communicate any messages via their Agent by email or telephone.

Standard messages

Agent/port company will advise pilot boarding time and berth details, port situation.

Notice of readiness

Tendered by the Master on arrival at the pilot station, accepted as per Charter Party.

Documents

It is the responsibility of the Master to ensure the following forms are completed and available on arrival.

Cargo documentation: Master or agent to provide:

On arrival: Statement of access tonnage of cargo and a statement of quantity of fuel in the double bottoms.

On departure: Cargo Manifest.

Health

Radio pratique is available. Cable "Port Health Eastland Port", not more than 24 hours and not less than 12 hours prior to arrival, Fax: +64 6 867 8414.

Customs and immigration

Eastland Port is a Customs port with the Customs offices based in Napier.

Notices and regulations

The "New Zealand General Harbour Regulations" with amendments apply.

Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

Inspection of ships in New Zealand

Maritime Safety Authority

PO Box 27006, 275-281 Upper Cuba Street, Wellington, New Zealand.

Tel: +64 4 382 8198.

Fax: +64 4 382 4934.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Maritime Safety Authority of New Zealand.

Contact person: Maritime Security Adviser.

Address: PO Box 27006, Level 8 Gen-I Tower, 109 Featherston Street, Wellington, 6005, New Zealand.

Tel: +64 4 471 5366.

Fax: +64 4 494 1270.

Website: http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Repairs

Minor repairs and underwater repairs can be effected. Divers are available for inspections.

Dry docks

Main slipway for vessels up to 400t, small slipway also available for vessels up to 9.7m in length.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Gisborne Hospital, 4.8km.

Crew change

Full facilities available for crew changes and repatriation.

Transport

Nearest airport: Gisborne Airport, 5.6km.

Nearest railway: Gisborne Station, 1.7km.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Eastland Port is situated on the E coast of New Zealand's North Island in the northern corner of Poverty Bay.

The port

Eastland Port Ltd is the owner/operator of the seaport at Gisborne. The port is approached through a channel of varying depths, of which Masters should seek confirmation. Vessels may be berthed at night if draught and weather allow. The port handles reefer, passenger, woodchips and breakbulk cargo.

Traffic

Approx. 2,600,000t of cargo and 100 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Eastland Port?

The pilot boards at Gisborne pilot boarding place, 38°43.5′S 178°01.4′E.

What time zone is Eastland Port in?

Local time at Eastland Port is UTC+13. Back to UTC+12 on 3 Apr 2027. Clocks go to UTC+13 on 25 Sep 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Eastland Port?

The deepest berth listed is at Eastland Port: 10.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Eastland Port?

1025.

Which load line zone is Eastland Port in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Eastland Port?

Port State Control at Eastland Port: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Eastland Port?

The UN/LOCODE of Eastland Port is NZGIS.

What crews who called at Eastland Port say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

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