Port Nelson is a key vehicle export location serving Nelson, Nelson. Top of South Island gateway — vehicle export for Nelson, Marlborough, and Tasman.
Export routes from Nelson
Regular RoRo and container services from Nelson connect to Australia, Inter-island, Pacific, and other global destinations depending on carrier schedule.
Terminals and carriers
Terminals: Main Wharf; Shed 625
RoRo / shipping lines: Coastal RoRo, trans-Tasman
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 Nelson
- 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 Nelson — vehicle ready for RoRo drive-on or container load.
Planning your Nelson 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 Nelson, allow time for inland haulage across Nelson and pre-export drain before port delivery.
Carrier fuel rules vary by sailing and terminal. Confirm limits with your shipping line before port delivery.