A $29 million New Zealand dollars (about $17 million USD) marine haul-out and maintenance facility has opened at Port Nelson on New Zealand’s South Island. Operating as Calwell, the site was developed to strengthen marine infrastructure in the region and support demand across the country’s blue economy.

Calwell includes a slipway, a hardstand area and a 550-tonne boat hoist, with the capacity to service vessels of up to 2,400 tonnes within the region. The new facility is also expected to support local marine businesses and skilled employment.

The annual contribution is estimated at around $3.8 million NZD (approximately $2.2 million USD) to the Nelson-Tasman GDP. It is also expected to attract marine maintenance work to Te Tauihu from within New Zealand and overseas.

Matt McDonald, chief executive of Port Nelson, stated: “Calwell is an important investment in our blue economy. It builds resilience in the regional marine engineering sector and creates opportunities for growth across both commercial and recreational marine industries.”

Funding for the redevelopment came from Port Nelson, Nelson City Council and the Central Government, with support administered through Kānoa - Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. Representatives attended the opening alongside iwi, industry participants and community leaders.

Tim King, Tasman mayor, commented: “This new facility at Port Nelson represents an important investment in regional infrastructure. While it strengthens Port Nelson’s role as a key marine and economic hub, its benefits extend well beyond the city boundary. Improved marine haul-out facilities will support Tasman’s economy and help create employment and economic resilience across both districts. This will also support and attract highly skilled marine engineers within the Nelson-Tasman region.”

Further upgrades are planned at the neighbouring Nelson Marina. In January 2026, nearly $13 million NZD (about $7.8 million USD) was approved to support expansion works, including installation of a vessel hoist, expansion of hardstand capacity and development of a marine service centre with office, retail and workshop space.

Nick Smith, Nelson mayor, said: “Council has invested, alongside Port Nelson and the Government, in this 550-tonne boat hoist and yard, as part of our economic development strategy of making Nelson the marine capital of New Zealand. Our city’s infrastructure for marine engineering will be further enhanced in July when the 110-tonne boat hoist and yard at Nelson Marina are completed. This combination of facilities is about making Nelson the go-to place for servicing and maintaining the hundreds of fishing, aquaculture, recreational and other boats that use the vast oceans surrounding New Zealand.”

Images from Port Nelson and Nelson Marina.