Port of Bluff is a key vehicle export location serving Bluff, Southland. New Zealand's southernmost commercial port — Southland and Invercargill vehicle export.
Export routes from Bluff
Regular RoRo and container services from Bluff connect to Australia, Southern Ocean, fishing fleet, and other global destinations depending on carrier schedule.
Terminals and carriers
Terminals: Bluff Harbour
RoRo / shipping lines: Coastal RoRo, breakbulk
Fuel level rules at New Zealand export ports
Trans-Tasman and deep-sea carriers loading at New Zealand ports typically require a low fuel level — often between one-quarter tank and empty — and will reject vehicles that are leaking or over-filled. Container exports and some RoRo sailings require a fully empty tank. Always confirm your carrier's cut-off and fuel rule before delivery.
If your vehicle is above the allowed level, or your forwarder requires a documented empty tank, EEK drains the tank and fuel lines, records litres removed, and disposes via licensed carriers — so you arrive at the port gate compliant.
Why book pre-export drain before Bluff
- Gate compliance — avoid turn-away, demurrage, and emergency siphon charges at the port compound.
- Documented removal — litres drained recorded for your export paperwork and carrier check-in.
- Licensed disposal — NZIFDA certified; waste tracked per NZ policy.
- Tank and lines — we drain the tank and purge fuel lines, not just siphon at the kerb.
EEK pre-export fuel removal process
- Book online or call — quote your port, sailing date, and vehicle.
- Mobile or workshop drain — tank and line evacuation with litres documented.
- Licensed disposal — fuel removed via New Zealand Insoluble Fuel Disposal Agency compliant carriers.
- Deliver to Bluff — vehicle ready for RoRo drive-on or container load.
Planning your Bluff export delivery
Confirm your forwarder's cargo closing date, terminal gate hours, and whether RoRo or container applies. Non-runners and oversized vehicles may need separate terminal booking — notify your carrier early. For Bluff, allow time for inland haulage across Southland and pre-export drain before port delivery.
Carrier fuel rules vary by sailing and terminal. Confirm limits with your shipping line before port delivery.