Port Nelson Commissions New Zealand’s First Electric Mobile Harbour Crane At Celebratory Event

Port Nelson marked a major milestone in its sustainability and infrastructure journey today with a special event to commission New Zealand’s first electric dual-drive mobile harbour crane.

The event was attended by Nelson Mayor Nick Smith, Rachel Boyack MP for Nelson, EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) representative Ben Pitt, and iwi representatives, alongside port stakeholders and staff.

In a symbolic moment, Mayor Nick Smith officially powered on the new Liebherr LHM600E crane, triggering its first official lift.

Port Nelson CEO Matt McDonald says the event is more than just a celebration of a new machine, it's a powerful statement about Port Nelson’s direction. “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. “This project also delivered local economic benefits, with around $2 million invested in the Nelson region through labour, materials, and infrastructure upgrades,” Matt adds.

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The project is part of a broader electrification strategy, which includes retrofitting an existing diesel crane. The crane is capable of switching between electric and diesel modes, but is expected to operate on electric power up to 85% of the time, significantly reducing carbon emissions. Cranes currently account for around 22% of the Port’s Scope 1 emissions.

Nelson Mayor Nick Smith says Port Nelson’s new electric harbour crane is good for the city’s economy and 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 just one of several strategic investments Port Nelson has made in the last 18 months. Alongside the electrification programme, the Port opened Honomai, Marlborough’s first Inland Port, introduced a new pilot vessel and launched a significant slipway redevelopment project, further enhancing safety, operational resilience, and local economic benefit.

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