Wellington

1. Wellington Pilot Station 'A' Alpha Pilot boards41°24.0′S 174°49.4′E

Size limits

No LOA or beam restrictions. Draught 11.3m, 80,398DWT.

Water density

Density in the harbour is 1025, and in the vicinity of the berths at Wellington 1032 - 1036.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range: Springs 1.0m, neaps; 0.9m.

Currents in channel 0.3-0.8kt, with prevailing winds N or S which are frequently strong and significantly influence the water levels. S'ly winds raise levels and N'ly winds lower them.

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

Approach

Directions: Wellington Harbour (entrance 41°21.4'S 174°50.4'E) is approached from between Sinclair Head (41°22.0'S 174°43.0'E) and Baring Head (7.5nm ESE), passing through the pilot boarding area or, if exempt, direct to a position 2nm S of the entrance, on the leading line. The harbour is entered through Main Entrance on the alignment of the leading lights.

Channel depth is 11.3m CD, max draught in channel is 9.8m plus height of tide above CD (max approx 11.3m).

Directions for Berths: From the position in the entrance 1.5nm S of Somes Island Light, the track leads 1nm NW and 2nm WSW to the anchorages or berthing areas in Lambton Harbour or Evans Bay, as required. Vessels entering Evans Bay may be assisted by a directional light, exhibited from the head of the bay, bearing 184.5°, which leads through the bay. A light beacon, 0.4nm N of the light, marks the edge of a bank.

Point Howard: From the position in the entrance1.5nm S of Somes Island Light, the track leads approx 2.25nm NE of the berths in the vicinity of Point Howard, avoiding a reef extending 1.25nm S from Somes Island and Somes Rock (41°15.8'S 174°51.5'E).

Caution: In order to avoid close quarter situation, vessels entering and leaving the harbour should stay on the starboard side of the channel if other vessels are using the channel at the same time. In reduced visibility by day, the Port Authority will exhibit Main Entrance Leading Lights on request by radio. Deep-draught vessels, defined as having a draught greater than 10.2m, may not be able to deviate from the channel centreline.

Port limits

The port of Wellington comprises all the tidal waters of Wellington Harbour bounded seaward by a line which is the arc of a circle, radius 3.85nm, centred on Outer Rock (41°21.0'S 174°50.1'E).

Traffic schemes and VTS

There are no traffic schemes but pilots will advise recommended tracks in and out.

Wellington Harbour Radio station maintains constant VHF and visual watch and all vessels are required to maintain a continuous listening watch while within the port limits. It is also equipped with radar. The station will provide navigational, vessel traffic movements and berthing information on request. In addition, it provides it provides observations on weather and sea conditions at the entrance, together with tidal height predictions.

Danger signal: If a vessel is sighted standing into danger and is not responding to radio calls, the station will flash morse code letter "U" by signal lamp until the vessel responds.

Restrictions

Tides: Vessels over 10.0m draught may be required to wait for the tide before transit of the entrance channel. The maximum draught permissible is 9.8m + height of tide. There is no limit to length or beam and all vessels may enter during the hours of darkness.

Airdraught: Vessels entering or leaving Evans Bay must advise the Harbour Radio of their airdraught not less than 15 mins before arrival or departure, owing to the close proximity of the airport flight path.

Tugs

Available.

Mooring

Mooring services under the supervision of an experienced Marine Supervisor are provided for all vessels. The number of linesmen provided will vary according to the size of the vessel and known type of lines. The Marine Supervisor can be contacted on VHF Ch 14.

Pilots will advise but minimum mooring requirement is likely to be 4 and 2.

Charts and publications

NZ 4633, 4634, 463. Admiralty Pilot NP51, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessel's ETA should be sent 24 hours in advance addressed to "Pilots Wellington". Vessels equipped with cell phones or fax can, in addition, repeat these messages to the port's 24 hour Signal Station (Wellington Harbour Radio): Tel: +64 4 388 5470; Fax: +64 4 388 4319. The port is not fitted with telex.

Updated ETA messages are required 4 hours before arrival with final confirmation 1 hour before arrival direct to Harbour Radio. Should bad weather or other circumstances affect the ETA, updated advice at anytime is appreciated.

Amending and confirming ETA's: Vessels approaching Wellington from the N and E may contact Wellington Harbour Radio via the VHF repeater on Cape Palliser (Ch 04). The approx range to the N is to Castlepoint. Vessels arriving via Cook Strait may use repeater stations Ch 62.

Communications

VHF: Pilot: Ch 16,14, 13, 62, 04

Pilots: Tel: +64 4 4953802, email: [email protected]

Harbour Master: Tel: +64 4 830 4160, +64 4 388 1911, +64 4 473 4547 (emergency), email: [email protected]

Standard messages

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

Notice of readiness

As per Charter Party or on arrival at the pilot station.

Documents

A Certificate of Clearance will be issued on compliance with section 34 of Customs and Excise Act 1996.

The Port Authority requires the Hazardous Cargo and Cargo Plan, 48 hours prior to arrival.

Agents will provide a full set of forms for next voyage or will send on request.

Customs and immigration

Normal Customs/Immigration formalities apply. Visa, if required can be applied for on arrival.

Allowances for officers and crew: 200 cigarettes, 1 litre spirits, 750ml wine per person, there are cash fines and confiscation for non compliance with these allowances.

Flags

No fixed protocols.

Notices and regulations

Regional Council By Laws apply. Vessels must comply with ballast water discharge restrictions and be free from Asian Gypsy Moth.

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

Limited facilities available.

Dry docks

There are no drydock facilities available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Wellington hospital, 4km.

Crew change

Crew change is arranged via the local port agent and the Immigration authorities.

Transport

Nearest airport: Wellington, 10km from the port.

Airport facilities: Passenger and airfreight facilities available.

Nearest railway: Wellington, 1km.

Working hours

As required, except on Christmas Day.

Where it is

Port of Wellington is situated at the S end of the North Island of New Zealand.

The port

Wellington is a naturally sheltered harbour with an area in excess of 7,700ha. The harbour shoreline extends for approx 50km and is flanked by high hills providing added shelter to shipping.

Principal imports: Petroleum products, steel, wheat, vehicles, phosphate, soda ash, bananas, paper and general manufactured imports.

Principal exports: Timber, fish, scrap steel, dairy products, wool, fruit, vegetables, meat, woodpulp and general manufactured exports.

Traffic

Approx. 3,200,000t of cargo, 85,000TEU, 600 vessels and 238,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Wellington?

The pilot boards at Wellington Pilot Station 'A' Alpha, 41°24.0′S 174°49.4′E.

What time zone is Wellington in?

Local time at Wellington 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 Wellington?

The deepest berth listed is at CentrePort Container Terminal: 10.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Wellington?

Density in the harbour is 1025, and in the vicinity of the berths at Wellington 1032 - 1036.

Which load line zone is Wellington in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Wellington?

Port State Control at Wellington: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Wellington?

The UN/LOCODE of Wellington is NZWLG.

What crews who called at Wellington 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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