Pilotage & Arrival Procedures

Information to assist Masters of ships visiting New Zealand in preparing their voyage plan, as required by SOLAS V Regulation 34, can be found here:

Maritime Instruction for Masters of Foreign Ships

Email:
[email protected]

Biosecurity NZ Hotline:
0800 80 99 66

Website:
www.mpi.govt.nz

Night berthing operations may be restricted in wind of more than 20 knots and require the vessel’s radar and speed measuring devices to be operational.

Vessels over 9.0m draft require Dynamic Under Keel Clearance (DUKC) assessment. As such, the vessel arrival/departure conditions must be filled out accurately in the VIAS. Berth and/or POB time restrictions may apply.

The following table details the maximum dimensions allowed at each of the port's berths. Please refer to Port Guide here

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 dependent 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 is compulsory for all vessels of more than 100m in length or 500GT. The pilot ladder is required to be rigged as directed by New Plymouth Harbour Radio or the Pilot Vessel.

Generally, vessels are turned and berthed heading to sea unless prior arrangements are made. Because of possible surge movement in the harbour, Port Taranaki supplies ShoreTension when deemed appropriate. This is deployed as a supplement to ships’ lines to reduce loads on mooring lines.