Port operators and operations
Critical to New Zealand’s supply chains, ports are complex, dynamic, and high-risk environments where there are a number of critical risks and drivers of harm.
There are a number of requirements people involved in work at ports and on ships must comply with. These are set out in the Maritime Transport, Maritime Security and Health and Safety at Work Acts, Maritime Rules, Marine Protection Rules, and international conventions and agreements that New Zealand is a party to. For example, the IMDG Code (the IMO Dangerous Goods Regulations), relevant Maritime Rules, bylaws, relevant port- specific regulations, and harbourmasters’ directions.
Operating in port environments
All you need to know about operating safely in a port environment.
Navigating ports and harbours
Access information related to pilotage and maritime pilots including the Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code guidance for the safe transfer of pilots, training and licensing.
Port security
Learn about our role, the maritime security regulatory framework including the ISPS Code and New Zealand’s maritime security levels.
Operating safely at ports
Maritime NZ is the primary health and safety regulator for work onboard ships and at ports.
Find out more about Maritime NZ’s health and safety designation at ports, and joint initiatives with New Zealand’s 13 major ports to improve health and safety in this critical sector, including the:
- Port Health and Safety Leadership Group
- Port Sector Insights Picture and Action Plan
- The Approved Code of Practice for Loading and Unloading Cargo at Ports and on Ships (ACOP).
Who is included under Maritime NZ’s designation on ports?
On 1 July 2024, Maritime NZ became the main health and safety regulator for New Zealand’s 13 major ports and all ships under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA). This extended designation aims to reduce high-risk harms by enabling better oversight of port operations, cargo handling, and vessel safety.
Port profile maps
Port profiles are aerial maps of each port showing the areas covered by Maritime NZ’s HSWA designation. They have been developed with the port sector and WorkSafe.
Inspecting foreign ships
Maritime NZ has a critical role in inspecting foreign ships arriving in New Zealand and ensuring they are compliant with the requirements of various international conventions and laws. Our Port State Control (PSC) inspectors inspect a foreign ship’s standards in relation to:
- crew welfare
- environmental protection
- safety, and
- security.
This is an essential part of Maritime NZ’s role in ensuring safe, secure, clean and sustainable seas.
Maritime NZ also acts as the flag State control authority, ensuring New Zealand-flagged vessels comply with national regulations and international conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW). Maritime NA also conducts annual audits, surveys, and inspections (including MOSS) for safety, security, and environmental protection, while also registering ships through the Ship Registration Act 1992.
Navigating ports and harbours
The safe management of ships navigating in New Zealand ports and harbours is critical to the prevention of injury to people, loss of life and damage to the marine environment and property.
Find out more about the Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code, pilotage and pilots.
Security at ports and on ships
New Zealand, like many other countries, has adopted the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The Maritime Security Act 2004 and its associated regulations bring the requirements of the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code into legislation.
Environmental requirements at ports
All ports, ships and installations in New Zealand waters must comply with applicable environmental regulations to ensure the sustainable use and protection of our oceans. Regulations cover:
- the discharge of waste, including oil, chemicals, garbage and sewage
- what is permitted to be dumped at sea
- the provision of port waste reception facilities
- the requirement for oil spill contingency plans for oil transfer sites.