Posted on July 23, 2025
Port Nelson has officially commissioned the country’s first electric dual-drive mobile harbour crane, marking a significant step forward in sustainable transport and port infrastructure.
The new Liebherr LHM600E crane was powered on for the first time at a celebratory event attended by Nelson Mayor Nick Smith, MP for Nelson Rachel Boyack, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) representative Ben Pitt, iwi, port stakeholders and staff.
In a symbolic moment, Mayor Smith initiated the crane’s first official lift, signalling the start of its working life on the waterfront.
Port Nelson chief executive Matt McDonald says the event represents more than the arrival of a new machine.
“The project demonstrates our commitment to innovation and leading by example in the transition to low-emission technologies. This crane is an investment in the future of our people, infrastructure, and region, reflecting Port Nelson’s ambition to build a more resilient port for generations to come.”
The $17 million project was supported by $875,000 from the Government’s Low Emission Transport Fund, administered by EECA. McDonald says the investment has also delivered direct economic benefits to the region.
“This project also delivered local economic benefits, with around $2 million invested in the Nelson region through labour, materials, and infrastructure upgrades.”
The crane is part of a broader port electrification strategy and can operate in either diesel or electric mode, although it is expected to run on electric power up to 85 per cent of the time. Port Nelson says cranes currently account for about 22 per cent of its Scope 1 emissions, and the shift will significantly reduce its carbon footprint.
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith praised the move as a win for both the local economy and the environment.
“Our export-based economy is very dependent on having an efficient port. Nelson leads in sustainability – we have the first full electric bus service, we have one of the highest uptakes of electric cars including my own, which was New Zealand’s first. It’s good that we are now leading with our port commissioning the first mobile electric crane and converting one of its older diesel cranes to electric.”
The crane is one of several major investments the port has made in the past 18 months. Other recent upgrades include the Honomai inland port in Marlborough, the addition of a new pilot vessel, and the redevelopment of its slipway – all aimed at boosting safety, operational resilience and long-term growth.
