Port Taranaki

1. New Plymouth (Port Taranaki) pilot boarding place Pilot boards39°00.0′S 174°02.5′E

Size limits

LOA 294m, draught 12.5m, beam 61.1m, 64,012DWT.

Water density

1025-1026.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Currents may be strong in the offing and are influenced by the winds. After prolonged SW weather a current sets NE at a rate of up to 1.5kts; after prolonged E weather a current sets W at a similar rate.

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

Approach

The port is easily approached from N on the alignment of leading lights and is entered from E between breakwater. Recent dredging has increased the entry channel depth to 12.5m.

The pilot station is the recognised arrival position for the port.

Port limits

All waters contained within the area of a circle with radius 2.5nm whose centre is the trig station on Mount Moturoa in position 39° 3.947'S 174° 1.748'E.

Traffic schemes and VTS

There is no Traffic Scheme in operation but movements of vessels within port limits are controlled by Harbour Control.

Tankers are recommended to maintain a distance of 5nm off the coast unless approaching the port.

Anchorages

Vessels can anchor in Taranaki Roads W of a line bearing 197° to the Main Breakwater Light (39°03.0'S 174°02.5'E) and clear of a spoil ground, but not closer than 1nm from any land. The recommended berth is in a depth of approx 24.0m, sand and mud, good holding ground 1nm N of the harbour entrance. The anchorage is open to winds from the SW through N to E and a heavy swell may develop.

Quarantine anchorage: For vessels liable to quarantine and awaiting inspection, there is an anchorage area bound by the arc of a circle radius 2nm centred on Mikotahi Light (39°03.3'S 174°01.8'E), clear of the leading line and spoil ground, or as required by the Harbour Master.

Restrictions

Night berthing operations are restricted in wind conditions in excess of 20kts and require the vessels radar and speed measuring devices to be operational.

Vessels in excess of 7.5m draught are tide dependant.

Dynamic Under Keel Clearance: DUKC system available for selected vessels. If applicable, the Master or agent should request the use of the DUKC system 96 hours in advance.

Tugs

Compulsory for all vessels. There are 1 x 60t bollard pull; 1 x 40t bollard pull ; 1 x 30t bollard pull ; 1 x 28t bollard pull available. All tugs have foam firefighting capabilities. Towage is compulsory for all vessels, number of tugs required depends on size of vessel and weather conditions.

Mooring

All vessels are turned and berthed head to sea unless prior arrangements are made.

Vessels use shore moorings, supplied by Westgate Transport, due to surge movement in the harbour.

Normally one vessel's head line and one stern line are required to position the vessel and then shore moorings, appropriate to length, are secured.

Two shore staff board the vessel inside the harbour, to assist vessel's crews with moorings. Wire pennants with Senhouse slips are first brought onboard to connect to vessel's bollards. Shore moorings are then received with wire tails to connect to the Senhouse slips. Once connected they are tensioned from the shore by tractors.

To let go, the Senhouse slips are released and once the shore moorings are clear, the pennants landed ashore. This is done by vessel's staff only, who are directed from the shore, under the control of the Pilot.

These moorings are tended by shore staff as necessary; who can be ordered through Port Control on VHF Ch 12.

Charts and publications

BA NZ4432, NZ43,4600. Admiralty Pilot NP51, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

In addition to Charter Party requirements, Agents and Masters are to send notices daily and at 72, 48, 24, 12, 6 and 2hrs prior to ETA at pilot boarding position (39°00.00'S 174°02.50'E), stating exact position, course and speed. Notices are to include cargo type and quantity, including any discharge/load combinations.

Oil and chemical tankers must send cargo details 48hrs prior to arrival. The details are to include Country of Registry, Nationality of Master, LOA, Draught, Distance from Bow to Manifold flanges, Cargo Plan, Condition of readiness and any other relevant information.

Request for landside services are to be placed using the PTL website portal at least 48hrs prior to Pilot On Board (POB).

VAIS (Vessel Arrival Information Sheet) and Q88 (tankers on first visit and when Q88 is amended) are to be completed in full and received by Planner at least 24hrs prior to arrival at pilot boarding ground.

VAIS is located on the PTL website and is to be emailed to [email protected]. The VAIS will contain details of vessel's ETA, draught, LOA, cargo, dangerous goods and status of navigational equipment.

At least 6hrs firm notice of arrival time at the pilot boarding ground must be provided by Agents and Masters.

2hrs confirmation of ETA is to be given using VHF Chs 61 or 12. Any changes must be notified immediately.

All communications are to be addressed to "New Plymouth Harbour Radio" by VHF or emailed to marine [email protected].

In addition to the information submitted to NZ Customs via the "Advance Notice of Arrival" form, the following is to be provided to the Ship's Agent to [email protected], at least 24hrs prior to arrival:

- Notification of crew changes;

- Expected visitors/contractors;

- Stores/spares expected to be loaded to the vessel;

- Any special security requirement.

Communications

SSB call 2182 and 4125: Working 2089, 2162, 4417 and 4146.

Schedules 2182: Every four hours from midnight between 00-15 past the hour.

Schedules 4125: Every four hours from midnight between 15-30 past the hour.

Standard messages

Vessels will be passed information by VHF prior to arrival by New Plymouth Harbour Control. This is a standard message consisting of pilot boarding times, the arrangement of pilot ladder, berthing details, other ship movements and vessels at anchor.

Notice of readiness

As per Charter Party requirements.

Documents

Vessels arriving in New Zealand are required to submit a "NZ Border Agencies Advance Notice of Arrival" (NZCS 344), a list of crew and passengers and an inward cargo report (Online Declaration) not less than 48hrs prior to their entering New Zealand territorial waters (12-mile limit).

Health

Pratique granted by radio (Taranaki Health Care, New Plymouth), Tel: +64 6 753 7798, Fax: +64 6 753 7788. Pratique is automatic if vessel has already called at another New Zealand port.

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate: Renewal of Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate available, and arranged by ship's agent. Certificates are issued by Taranaki Healthcare Ltd, Private Bag 2016, New Plymouth. Tel: +64 6 753 7798, Fax: +64 6 753 7788.

Customs and immigration

Vessels may be approved by Customs for "Discretionary Entry" or "Discretionary Clearance" which means that, provided certain procedures are complied with, it may not be necessary for an officer of Customs to attend the vessel at the time of arrival or departure. If the officer of Customs does not attend the formalities are undertaken by the ship's agent.

The following information must be sent a minimum of 12 hours before the ETA at the first port to the Waterfront Officer to determine whether the vessel will be entered under Discretionary Entry.

Name and type of vessel, ETA and ETD, ports visited within the last 60 days, number and nationality of crew, crew signing off and other relevant information.

The following duty free concessions are allowed per crew member for foreign crewed ships: 1 x 1,125ml bottle of spirits; 200 cigarettes or 250gms tobacco or 50 cigars; plus additional goods, the duty of which would not exceed NZ$50.

For every 10 days that the vessel remains on the coast, the crew are entitled to an issue of 200 cigarettes or 250gms tobacco or 50 cigars and 12 bottles (9 litres) of spirits irrespective of the number of crew.

Permission must be granted before duty free stores are taken from the ships bond. Bonded stores will only be supplied to vessels at one port whilst in New Zealand coastal waters.

Flags

Standard flag etiquette used.

Notices and regulations

All vessels are requested to send a list of ports visited in the past 2 years prior to arrival.

Marine Safety Authority (MSA): Vessels will be inspected by Port State Control, unless the vessel has been inspected by the MSA at another port on this voyage and there are no outstanding deficiencies.

Tankers: Will be inspected every time.

Others: Will be inspected every 6 months unless previous inspection have found deficiencies.

Ship's documents will be required, including: Ship's Certificates and; Declaration of Oil Pollution Civil Liability Certificate (Tankers).

Maritime Safety Authority, New Plymouth. Tel: +64 6 751 3131, Mr Dave Coker.

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

Repairs of all kinds are possible except underwater work of a major nature that requires dry docking the vessel.

Divers are available for underwater inspections, bottom cleaning, etc.

Electronic and electrical services are also available. Repairs are arranged through ship's agent.

Bunkers, water and stores

Freshwater: Available.

Bunkers: Heavy oil bunkers are not available. Gas oil/diesel is available by road tanker or pipeline, depending on berth.

Stores: Possible by road or rail. For tankers stores by road to wharf gate and transferred to hand truck to ship side, approximately 120m. Storing is carried out by vessel's staff. Ship chandlers prefer 72 hours advance notice. All types of stores available including frozen foods, fresh vegetables, chemicals, lube oils and general deck, catering, electrical and engine.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Taranaki Base Hospital, 3.6km.

Crew change

Repatriation possible for all nationalities without restriction. A number of hotels/motels available in town.

Transport

Nearest airport: New Plymouth Airport, 15.8km.

Nearest railway: KiwiRail New Plymouth, 8.2km.

Working hours

Stevedores work 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Agents should be advised ETA at least 24 hours, preferably 72 hours, in order to arrange cargo if vessel loading. Ships are normally charged on a contractual basis and not daily/weekly rates.

Normal shift hours are 0001-0800hrs; 0700-1530hrs; 1530-2359hrs.

Where it is

Port Taranaki is situated on the North Island approx 135nm SSW of Auckland.

The port

Port Taranaki is the only deep-sea port on New Zealand's west coast, accommodating a range of large international and coastal vessels. The harbour approach is safe and easily navigable, featuring an open roadstead with anchorage depths between 18.0m and 22.0m. With no bar and protection provided by two breakwaters, the port ensures secure access. Inside the harbour, the approach fairways include a 365m swinging basin with a depth of 12.5m, allowing entry for Panamax-size vessels. Berthing is possible in most weather conditions, including night operations. The port serves as a hub for offshore oil exploration and support, as well as the export of petroleum and petrochemical products. Moturoa and Blyde Wharves are connected to the rail network, and the port is located just 4km from the city centre. Operating 24/7, Port Taranaki handles key imports such as grains, fertiliser, and manufactured goods, while its main exports include crude oil, petroleum products, coal, methanol, LPG, and timber.

Traffic

Approx 3,200,000t of cargo and 300 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Port Taranaki?

The pilot boards at New Plymouth (Port Taranaki) pilot boarding place, 39°00.0′S 174°02.5′E.

What time zone is Port Taranaki in?

Local time at Port Taranaki 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 Port Taranaki?

The deepest berth listed is at Moturoa Wharf: 12.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Port Taranaki?

1025-1026.

Which load line zone is Port Taranaki in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Port Taranaki?

Port State Control at Port Taranaki: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Port Taranaki?

The UN/LOCODE of Port Taranaki is NZNPL.

What crews who called at Port Taranaki 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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