PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Westport
Pilot
updated May 2010- Westport pilot boarding place Pilot boards41°42.1′S 171°33.1′E
Pilotage is compulsory for vessels of more than 100GT and/or 3.0m draught seeking to enter or leave the port. Pilot boards 2.2nm N of the main West Breakwater Light.
All vessels should notify the Harbour Master of their intention to enter at least 12 hours prior to arrival. No vessel must attempt to enter the port until authority to do so is received. In the event of a pilot being unable to board a vessel it will be led through the bar. A bar plan will be faxed to a ship, on request, before arrival at the pilot station. Vessels outbound touching the bar should advise the Harbour Master accordingly when clear of the bar.
Pilotage district: All the waters within the harbour of Westport. The outward sea limit is the arc of a circle running from the landward boundary of the foreshore W of the Western Breakwater and then into the Tasman Sea and then to the landward boundary of the foreshore E of the Eastern Breakwater, being the arc of a circle radius 1.5nm, with its centre the signal station on the western breakwater.
Key data
updated Aug 2023Size limits
The latest movements carried out between year 2021 to 2023, no commercial ships has recorded most of the operation are involved in fishing.
The draught depends on the bar and tidal conditions, approx 5.0-5.5m. Westport operates differential GPS with full electronic hydrographic survey program to maximise available draught and hence cargoes from the port.
Water density
1000-1025 depending on the river flow.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
There is a tidal gauge situated in the Harbour Master's office, which shows automatically the depth above CD. It is also transmitted and can be received by various harbour and other vessels with the receiving equipment aboard.
During river freshets, which may occur at any time of the year, the river current in the harbour attains a rate from 8-10kts.
The tides rise highest with E'ly winds and lowest with W'ly winds.
Currents set across the bar according to the direction and force of the wind. Strong winds from the W and SW cause E'ly sets with rates of up to 6kts, E'ly winds cause sets to the W with less effect.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westport Coal Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| Westport Harbour | 5.00 m | — | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Feb 2023Approach
The harbour is approached from N and entered over a bar between breakwaters, with a width between them of 179m, on the line of leading lights.
Inner Approaches: Bar entrance. Current bar plans will be faxed to vessels and pilot will fully brief Masters before entry.
Port limits
The seaward limit is a line drawn 310° for 3nm from a position 3nm NE of Ngakawau River entrance (41°37.0'S 171°53.0'E), then direct to Cape Foulwind (41°45.0'S 171°28.0'E).
Traffic schemes and VTS
None.
Anchorages
Vessels can anchor in Buller Bay in depths from 18.3-23.7m. A recommended berth is in a position 2nm N of the signal station.
Caution: There is poor holding ground E of the entrance to the harbour and in the SW part of Buller Bay. Vessels should be prepared to proceed to sea directly. When there are signs of wind rising from the W to N quarter, an anchorage in Buller Bay is unsafe during NW'ly gales. A falling barometer and lightning W and S of Westport are almost certain indications of deteriorating weather conditions.
Restrictions
Passage over the bar is considered impracticable when the river is in flood or during a NW'ly gale. In bad weather the sea breaks heavily over the outer part of the bar.
Bar depths: Depths over the sand bar vary, approx 3.4m CD, allowing 1m swell, at Broad East.
River depths: There is ample depth in the river for all vessels which can cross the bar. Vessels up to 145m in length can be handled but are subject to the Harbour Master's consent.
Tugs
There is 1 tug, "Bob Gower", 3t bollard pull available.
Mooring
Berthing signals: These are given by the pilot. Vessels drawing more than 2.4m must inform the Harbour Master before arrival.
Charts and publications
NZ 71, Admiralty Pilot NP51, NP286(4).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Notice of ETA should be given by radio or phone 24 hours prior to arrival.
Standard messages
Agent/port company will advise pilot boarding time and berth details, port situation.
Notice of readiness
As per charter party or at arrival at the pilot station.
Documents
All documents as required by New Zealand Customs and Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Health
Pratique to be applied for by radio prior to arrival. Ship Sanitation Control Certificates can be obtained.
Customs and immigration
Westport is a Customs sub port controlled by the Collector of Customs, Christchurch.
Flags
No special flags required.
Notices and regulations
Harbour, National and Regional Council By Laws apply. Vessels must comply with ballast water discharge restrictions and be free from Asian Gypsy Moth.
Inspections
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
Port services
updated Feb 2023Repairs
Heavy marine engineering and electrical repairs are readily undertaken but no slipping facilities are available for vessels above LOA14m.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Fuel is available from a fuel berth situated by the Harbour Office for smaller vessels. Larger vessels receive supplies by road tanker. Contact BP Nelson or Caltex, Nelson.
Additional information for Refuelling â Contact Talleyâs 03 788 9172 or 03 788 9175
Stores: Adequate supply of stores are readily available
Medical
Westport.
Crew change
Available. No special regulations apply for crew or passengers wishing to join or leave the ship as they use domestic facilities to connect to international flights.
Transport
Nearest airport: Westport, 15km.
Airport facilities: Freight and passenger services available. Daily flights to Wellington with connections to other services.
Nearest railway: Westport, freight only.
Working hours
There are no registered water siders, hours are by arrangement.
About Westport
updated May 2010Where it is
The port of Westport is situated on the NW coast of South Island at the mouth of Buller River.
The port
The port has a bar at its entrance, 2 breakwaters approx 170m apart form the entrance.
Questions about Westport
Where does the pilot board at Westport?
The pilot boards at Westport pilot boarding place, 41°42.1′S 171°33.1′E.
What time zone is Westport in?
Local time at Westport 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 Westport?
The deepest berth listed is at Westport Harbour: 5.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Westport?
1000-1025 depending on the river flow.
Which load line zone is Westport in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Westport?
Port State Control at Westport: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Westport?
The UN/LOCODE of Westport is NZWSZ.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Westport 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.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.