The maritime sector plays a crucial role in the movement of freight into, out of, and throughout New Zealand.
Below are overviews of the most viewed sea transport topics. You can also follow the links on the left of this page to find out more about the projects we are working on.
Oil Pollution Levy
The Oil Pollution Levy, established by Order in Council, is a levy on all commercial maritime operators and is used to fund New Zealand’s preparedness and response to marine oil spills.
Maritime New Zealand is currently undertaking consultation on a review of the Oil Pollution Levy. Read more about the review and consultation here.
Freight Information Gathering System
Developed to provide an overview of containerised freight movements around New Zealand, the Freight Information Gathering System builds on information currently provided by Statistics New Zealand while making valuable new information on freight movements available for the first time.
The Ministry of Transport has produced a new more detailed report on transport and trade. Read more about the report here
Container productivity at New Zealand ports
For information on container productivity at New Zealand ports visit the Container productivity at New Zealand ports page or download the report directly - Ministry’s report on container productivity (PDF, 3.5mb)
Clifford Bay
The government has decided not to proceed with a ferry terminal at Clifford Bay in Marlborough. Read more about the decision here .
Key government sea transport organisations
- The Ministry of Transport
The Ministry is the government's principal transport adviser. We provide policy advice and support to ministers. See About the Ministry of Transport for more information. - Maritime New Zealand (MNZ)
A Crown entity, MNZ's mission is to lead and support the maritime community to take responsibility for ensuring our seas are safe, secure and clean. Read more on the Maritime New Zealand website. - Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC)
TAIC determines the circumstances and causes of accidents and incidents with a view to avoiding similar occurrences in future. Find out more at the Transport Accident Investigation Commission website.
About sea transport in New Zealand
The maritime sector is largely led by the private sector, although a number of local authorities have an ownership interest in their local ports.
Our sea ports are responsible for moving more than 49 million tonnes of exports (99 percent by weight of all exports) and imports, with a combined value of more than $75 billion each year. The cruise industry also plays an increasing role in our tourism market 1 .
Domestically, shipping is also a part of our transport system for bulk commodities, and inter-island ferry services and could potentially play a much bigger role.
The government is focussed on port productivity issues, improving public information on maritime and freight transport, and improving the safety of the maritime sector.
International shipping is governed by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) . As a signatory to the Convention, New Zealand has very clear obligations including being bound to have a comprehensive set of safety and security regulations based on the principles prescribed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
1 Source: Statistics New Zealand , see 2010/11 figures in Transport Indicators FT010 and FT011