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Port of Nelson

NZNSN🇳🇿New Zealand

Port Location

Port Arrivals & Departures

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Port of Nelson NZNSN

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About Port of Nelson

Nelson is a harbor on New Zealand's South Island, serving as a key port for the Tasman region. It handles a variety of cargo, including forestry products and seafood. The port is equipped with pilotage and tug services, accommodating a range of commercial vessels.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
6ft
Tidal Range
2ft
Elevation
1m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile
Drydock
Small
Repair Code
C
Terminals
1

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
55290 →
GeoNames ID
2207511 →

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
NZNSN
Country
🇳🇿New Zealand
Time Zone
UTC+13
Feature Type
HBR (Harbor)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal breakwater
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
NZ-NSN
Area
East Australia
Sub-area
Tasman Sea
Latitude
-41.2600°
Longitude
173.2725°

Terminals

PORT NELSON

PORT NELSON LTD.

8 Vickerman Street, Port Nelson, Nelson 7040, New Zealand

www.portnelson.co.nz →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Nelson?

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The approach to Nelson is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Nelson Lighthouse at 0.5 NM to the NW. Other aids include Separation Point (31.3 NM NNW), French Pass Lighthouses (32.4 NM NE), French Pass (32.5 NM NE), Okukari Bay (Tory Channel, Whekenui) Range Rear (39.5 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.

What sea or ocean is the Port of Nelson on?

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The Port of Nelson is situated on the Tasman Sea in NZ. The area falls within the temperate maritime climate zone, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.

How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Nelson?

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You can track vessels near Nelson (NZNSN) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for NZNSN on the live map.

Where is the Port of Nelson?

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The Port of Nelson is a port in NZ. Its UN/LOCODE is NZNSN — the five-character code the UNECE assigns to trade and transport locations, and the identifier used on shipping documents and in port calls.

What does the UN/LOCODE NZNSN mean?

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The first two characters, NZ, are the ISO country code for NZ. The remaining three identify the location within that country. The code is issued by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and is the international standard for naming ports in trade and transport systems.

What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Nelson?

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The Port of Nelson operates in the UTC+13 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.