Posted on June 17, 2026
Port Nelson has welcomed the largest vessel ever to call at the New Zealand port.
The Maersk Cap Jackson measures 264.32 metres in length and weighs 77,000 tonnes, around 7,000 tonnes more than the previous record-holder.
The vessel can carry up to 4,600 TEUs.
It loaded apples, fish, meat, beer, wine, timber and dairy products from the Te Tauihu region for export to global markets.
Port Nelson said handling a vessel of this size required detailed planning and close coordination.
The port’s marine team and pilots carried out comprehensive risk assessments to ensure safe and efficient navigation through the port’s narrow channel and berth areas.
The call highlights Port Nelson’s capability to accommodate larger vessels and the expertise of its marine operations team.
