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The approach by sea to Port Taranaki is safe and easily navigable, with an open roadstead and anchorage in 18-22 metres of water. Inside the harbour the approach fairways provide a swinging basin of up to 418 metres, and a maximum port draft of 12.5 metres. Vessels can be berthed in most weathers, but ship drafts in excess of 9.5 metres depend on tide. Tidal range is 1.7 to 3.9 metres.
Arrival Information
Port Taranaki Instructions
- Port Guide – Information for Ship Masters, PEC Holders and Ships Agents
- Vessel Planning Principles
- Vessel Arrival Information Sheet
Maritime Instructions
Provides information to assist Masters of ships visiting New Zealand in preparing their voyage plan as required by SOLAS V Regulation 34.
- Maritime Instruction for Masters of Foreign Ships - Link to external Maritime Website.
Customs and MPI Regulations
New Zealand's key border agencies, the MPI Quarantine Service and the NZ Customs Service, work closely together to assist you with arrival and departure fomalities. Click Here for contact information.
Soundings
Harbour and berth soundings are regularly checked by the Port Hydrographer. These soundings are not to be used for navigational purposes.
Night Berthing
Night berthing operations may be restricted in wind conditions in excess of 20 knots and require the vessel's radar and speed measuring devices to be operational.
DUKC: Dynamic Under Keel Clearance
Vessels over 10m draft require Dynamic Under Keel Clearance (DUKC) or Harbour Master approval. Berth restrictions may apply.
The following procedures are effective when assessing maximum draft for vessels transiting and berthing at Port Taranaki.
Maximum Draft for Vessels
Berth Parameters
The following table details the maximum dimensions allowed at each of the port's berths.
| Berth | Depth | Max LOA | Max Beam | Max Draft | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakwater No 1 | 7.4m | 78m | 20.0m | 6.9m | |
| Breakwater No 2 | 9.5m | 150m | 25.0m | 8.5m | |
| Moturoa No 1 | 8.5m | 69m | 20.0m | 7.5m | |
| Moturoa No 2 | 13.5m | 200m | 35.0m | 12.5m | |
| Newton King No 1 | 13.5m | 211m | 35.0m | 12.5m | |
| Newton King No 2 | 13.5m | 211m | 35.0m | 12.5m | |
| Blyde No 1 | 11.5m | 225m | 35.0m | 10.5m | |
| Blyde No 2 | 13.5m | 225m | 35.0m | 12.5m | |
| Blyde No 3 | 7.5m | 78m | 20.0m | 6.5m |
Please refer to Port Guide - Information for Ships Masters, PEC Holders and Ship Agents for more detailed specifactions on the maximum vessel sizes.
Transits - Arrivals and Departures
| Draft | Transit Limits |
|---|---|
| Up to 9.0m | May transit at any time |
| 9.0m – 10.0m | Requires Height of tide equivalent to DRAFT minus 9.0m |
| 10.0m – 12.5m | Transits may only be undertaken under the DUKC system |
Note 1: Severe weather may significantly modify these parameters which define fair-weather conditions only.
Note 2: DUKC transits with vessels in the lower range of drafts in excess of 10.0m may well be undertaken at any time, particularly during neap tides, but otherwise some height of tide may be required to undertake the transit.
Note 3: Final DUKC transit drafts are dependant on real time calculations that can only be undertaken within 24 – 36 hours of the actual transit. METOCEAN modelling indicates that transits should be possible at 12.5m for 95% - 97% of all High Waters.
Pilotage
Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels of more than 100m in length or 100GRT.
The pilot ladder is required to be rigged as directed by New Plymouth Harbour Radio or the Pilot Vessel.
Moorings
Generally, vessels are turned and berthed heading to sea unless prior arrangements are made. Due to possible surge movement in the harbour, Port Taranaki supplies ShoreTension, when deemed appropriate, which will be deployed as a supplement to ships lines to reduce loads on mooring lines.
