New Zealand's Calwell facility expands heavy vessel haul-out capacity at Port Nelson

The $29m facility adds a 550-tonne hoist to service vessels up to 2,400 tonnes in Te Tauihu’s marine sector.

Port Nelson opened its $17.1m (NZ$29m) Calwell marine haul-out and maintenance facility in Te Tauihu, New Zealand, on 20 April 2026, adding vessel servicing capacity with a slipway, hardstand area, and a 550-tonne boat hoist capable of handling vessels of up to 2,400 tonnes.

The facility will support haul-out, maintenance, and vessel servicing activity linked to New Zealand’s marine sector, according to a press release.

Port Nelson, Nelson City Council, and the central government co-funded the project through the Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. The facility is expected to add about $2.2m (NZ$3.8m) a year to Nelson-Tasman gross domestic product.

Matt McDonald, Chief Executive Officer of Port Nelson, said the facility supports the regional marine engineering sector and creates opportunities across commercial and recreational marine industries.

Nick Smith, Mayor of Nelson, said the investment formed part of plans to position Nelson as a marine servicing centre. He added that further capacity would come with a 110-tonne boat hoist and yard at Nelson Marina due for completion in July.

Tim King, Mayor of Tasman, said the facility strengthened marine infrastructure in the region and supported employment and economic activity across Nelson and Tasman.

McDonald added the project had faced delivery challenges that affected timelines and costs, but said the completed facility increased regional capacity for marine servicing.

(US$1 = NZ$1.7)