Port Nelson upgrades to buoy local economy
Published: 20 April, 2026
The completion of major works at Port Nelson with funding support from government will strengthen the region’s ability to service medium to large vessels and support long-term regional economic growth.
The Port Nelson works involved the purchase and installation of a new boat hoist, which can lift vessels up to 550-tonnes from the water. In addition, a new hardstand provides 7,000 m2 of space, allowing up to 8 vessels to be worked on at the same time. The final piece of the project, a wastewater treatment facility, is expected to be completed later this year.
Once the wastewater treatment facility for the new hoist and hardstand is completed, vessels can be cleaned, maintained and managed in line with biosecurity and environmental standards. This significantly expands the types of vessels that can be serviced locally, including international vessels requiring maintenance while in New Zealand, and a wide range of local marine services.
The project received $9.8 million from the former COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, which is administered by Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. The remaining funding for the project was provided by Nelson City Council and Port Nelson. During construction, the project employed 45 people.
The upgraded Port Nelson is complemented by recent government support for marine infrastructure at Nelson Marina, which received a $12.89 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund. The total $25.8 million Marina project includes a new 110 tonne vessel hoist and expanded hardstand capacity.