MARSDEN POINT

• NZMAP
• Latitude: -35.8342
• Longitude: 174.492
• East Australia
• Port in New Zealand

Location: Marsden Point Northland New Zealand

Marsden Point, New Zealand: Port Description and Specifications

Location:

Marsden Point is strategically located at the entrance of Whangarei Harbour, on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. The port is approximately 140 kilometers (about 87 miles) north of Auckland, making it an essential hub for maritime activities in the region.

Port Functions and Facilities:

Marsden Point is primarily known for housing New Zealand's only oil refinery, the Marsden Point Oil Refinery. It is a significant node for the import and export of petroleum products, although it also handles a variety of other cargo types.

Key Facilities:

1. Berths and Jetties:

   • The port features multiple deep-water berths suited for handling large oil tankers and other vessels.
   • Dedicated tanker jetties for unloading crude oil and loading refined petroleum products.

2. Crude Oil Terminal:

   • Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to manage large volumes of crude oil efficiently.

3. Storage Facilities:

   • Extensive tank farm for crude oil and refined product storage.
   • Pipelines connecting the berth to storage tanks and the refinery.

4. Cargo Handling Equipment:

   • Specialized equipment for handling bulk liquids.
   • Facilities for general cargo and container handling (albeit on a smaller scale compared to major container ports).

Port Specifications:

• Draft: Accommodates vessels with a draft of up to approximately 15 meters (49 feet), subject to tidal conditions.
• Tidal Range: The port experiences a moderate tidal range, which needs to be considered when planning vessel movements.
• Navigation Aids: Modern navigation systems, including radar and GPS, to assist in the safe arrival and departure of vessels.
• Pilotage: Compulsory pilotage is provided to ensure safe navigation in and out of Whangarei Harbour.

Connectivity and Access:

• Road and Rail: Good road infrastructure connecting the port to major cities like Auckland. Rail connections available facilitating cargo movement to and from the port.
• Pipelines: Network of pipelines connecting the oil refinery to various parts of the North Island, including Auckland.

Environmental Considerations:

• The port operates under strict environmental regulations to minimize its impact on the surrounding marine and coastal ecosystems.
• Regular monitoring and adherence to national and international environmental standards.

Future Developments:

• Potential expansion plans to enhance cargo handling capabilities and infrastructure improvements to support growing maritime traffic.
• Sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of port operations.

In summary, Marsden Point is a vital maritime hub for New Zealand, particularly for its role in the country's oil supply chain. It boasts advanced facilities designed to handle large volumes of petroleum and a range of other cargo types, supported by a robust infrastructure network and adherence to environmental best practices.