Port Nelson Large Vessel Policy

Vessels of between 200m and 225m in length, calling at Port Nelson will be handled subject to a Formal Risk Assessment carried out by the Harbour Master and Port Nelson Ltd. Pilot(s). This Risk Assessment may also include tug masters, port infrastructure staff, stevedoring staff.

Vessels of greater than 225m in length will be handled subject to a Formal Risk Assessment and Simulation on the Australian Maritime Colleges ship simulator by the Harbour Master and/or Port Nelson Ltd. Pilot(s).

The Risk Assessment

• The risk assessment will consider the vessel in relation to the existing:
• Port geography
• Tug power
• Berth facilities, length, fendering, bollard strength, gangway positions
• Wind strength and direction
• Tidal current rates, and ship handling windows
• Tidal heights and under keel clearances in channel and in berth
• Mooring arrangements and the extent of berth overhangs
• The effect on vessels in other berths
• The effect on other vessels using the harbour channels or swing basin including interaction effects
• Day / night manoeuvres
• Vessel beam in relation to berth pocket width
• Vessel displacement in relation to tug power
• Vessel engine power in relation to displacement
• Vessel type and block coefficient
• Vessel handling characteristics
• Vessel manoeuvring aids
• Vessel turning circle diameter and stopping distance
• Vessel windage area
• Visibility from the bridge

The risk assessment may include Nelson Pilot(s) observing a piloted movement(s) in another port prior to its arrival in Nelson.

The risk assessment may include Nelson Pilot(s) discussing the proposed port call with the vessels Master.

The Simulation

Simulation of the vessel will consider all the aspects of the Risk Assessment but in more detail and in a practical rather than a theoretical manner. In addition a simulation will consider:

• Use of a Pilot ECDIS type system
• Additional tug power
• Additional navigation aids
• Emergency procedures

As a result of the risk assessment or simulation the vessel may be rejected for entry or accepted for entry into Port Nelson subject to restrictions.

Restrictions may include:

• Maximum wind limits.
• Maximum draft limits.
• Maximum tidal current rate restrictions.
• Additional tugs.
• Additional linesmen.
• Restriction on night movement.
• A specific berth, or side to.