Seaport · New Zealand
Port of Nelson
Nelson (New Zealand) is a small port listed in the NGA World Port Index (no. 55290). It lies on the Tasman Sea.
Port profile
- Country / territory
- New Zealand
- UN/LOCODE (WPI)
- NZNSN
- World Port Index no.
- 55290
- Coordinates
- 41.27°S, 173.27°E
- Harbor size
- Small
- Harbor type
- Coastal (breakwater)
- Shelter afforded
- Good
- Waters
- Tasman Sea; South Pacific Ocean
- WPI region
- New Zealand S Island
- Repairs
- Limited
- Dry dock
- Small
- Railway (slipway)
- Medium
Depths and vessel limits
Values as reported in the World Port Index; where a field is not shown, no value is reported.
| Channel depth | 6.4 m |
|---|---|
| Anchorage depth | 11.0 m |
| Cargo pier depth | 7.9 m |
| Oil terminal depth | 7.9 m |
| Tidal range | 2.0 m |
| Max vessel length | 243.0 m |
| Max vessel beam | 40.0 m |
| Max vessel draft | 9.8 m |
Facilities
- Wharves
Cranes and lifting
- Fixed cranes
- Mobile cranes
- Lifts 0–24 t
Entrance restrictions
- Tide
- Other restrictions
- Overhead limits
Navigation and port entry
- First port of entry
- ETA message required
- Turning area
- Quarantine: pratique
- Quarantine: sanitation
Pilotage and tugs
- Pilotage compulsory
- Pilotage available
- Tugs: assistance
Services
- Longshoremen
- Medical facilities
- Garbage disposal
- Dirty ballast disposal
Supplies
- Provisions
- Potable water
- Fuel oil
- Diesel oil
Communications and connections
- Telephone
- Telefax
- Radio
- Radiotelephone
- Airport
Only items reported as available in the World Port Index are listed.
Distance from Vietnam
Great-circle (straight-line) distances from Vietnam’s main port clusters. Actual sea routes are longer, as ships follow sea lanes around land.
| From | Great-circle distance |
|---|---|
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) | 4,810 nm |
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai | 4,790 nm |
| Hai Phong | 5,250 nm |
Nearest major ports in our guides
Major container gateways and transshipment hubs closest to Nelson, with full port guides:
Data source
Port characteristics on this page come from the NGA World Port Index (Pub. 150, U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency), as distributed in the seaport-data-js dataset. The index is a navigational reference and may not reflect recent construction, terminal changes or current operating limits. Always confirm details with the port authority, agent or carrier. Sailing directions: Sailing Directions Pub. 127 (Enroute) - East Coast of Australia and New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about Nelson
Where is Port of Nelson?
Nelson (New Zealand) lies on the Tasman Sea, at about 41.27°S, 173.27°E.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Nelson?
The World Port Index lists UN/LOCODE NZNSN for Nelson. Confirm the exact location code required by the carrier when booking.
What is the maximum vessel size at Nelson?
The World Port Index reports a maximum vessel length 243.0 m, beam 40.0 m, draft 9.8 m for Nelson. Limits can change with dredging and terminal works, so check with the port or agent.
How far is Nelson from Vietnam?
The great-circle distance is about 4,810 nautical miles from Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai) and about 5,250 nm from Hai Phong; sea routes are longer. Nearby major ports in our guides include Tauranga, Auckland, Sydney (Port Botany).
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Nelson?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Nelson through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking.