Port Marlborough
Port Marlborough is a council-owned New Zealand port operator headquartered in Picton, serving as the South Island terminal for Cook Strait inter-island ferries, cruise ships, log exports, commercial shipping, and marina users across the Marlborough Sounds.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1988
- HeadquartersTimaru, New Zealand
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Port Marlborough does
Port Marlborough is a council-owned port operator headquartered in Picton, New Zealand, wholly owned by Marlborough District Council Holdings. It runs an integrated maritime platform encompassing two commercial wharves (Waimahara Wharf for log exports and cruise ships up to 320m LOA; Waitohi Wharf for roll-on-roll-off ferries), the Marlborough Sounds Marinas subsidiary (2,060 berths across Picton, Havelock and Waikawa — described as one of the largest marina networks in the Southern Hemisphere), a modernized Damen ASD towage fleet (Kaiana and Kaiaua), and a pilot vessel transfer service. The company is the South Island terminal for New Zealand's inter-island ferry corridor (Cook Strait) and handles over 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually, 3,098 vessel visits over 500GRT (FY25), 809,699 JAS log exports, and approximately 40 cruise ship calls per year.
The business operates across four revenue streams: port services and berthing (pilotage, towage, harbour support for 3,000+ commercial vessel visits annually), cargo handling (log exports and general cargo), marina operations through Marlborough Sounds Marinas, and rental/property income including the new 3,200sqm Westshore Warehouse aquaculture logistics hub. GTM motion is direct B2B enterprise sales to ferry operators (KiwiRail, StraitNZ Bluebridge), cruise lines (Celebrity, Princess, Royal Caribbean), shipping agents (ISS-McKay, Wilhelmsen), cargo exporters, and aquaculture tenants (New Zealand King Salmon, Waikawa Fishing Company). Tariffs are publicly published and updated annually. FY25 revenue was NZD 46 million with a NZD 4.2 million projected dividend to the sole shareholder.
The company is currently executing a major infrastructure transformation programme: the NZD 110 million Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment (backed by a Marlborough District Council loan, with physical works beginning December 2025) to accommodate KiwiRail's two new rail-enabled Cook Strait ferries arriving 2029, alongside fleet modernization, a 39-year commercial agreement with StraitNZ Bluebridge (to 2064), and expansion into aquaculture logistics. Certifications include ISO 14001-aligned environmental management, International Clean Marina across all three marinas, GRI sustainability reporting, and Maritime Security Act 2004 compliance. Port Marlborough employs approximately 102 staff across port, marina, and marine services operations.
Port Marlborough firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Port Marlborough
- Legal name
- Port Marlborough New Zealand
- Website
- https://portmarlborough.co.nz
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1988
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Port Marlborough is a council-owned New Zealand port operator headquartered in Picton, serving as the South Island terminal for Cook Strait inter-island ferries, cruise ships, log exports, commercial shipping, and marina users across the Marlborough Sounds.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Port Marlborough industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Port Operations and Maritime Services
- NAICS
- Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883), Marine Cargo Handling (488320), Marinas (713930), Port and Harbor Operations (488310)
- SIC
- Water Transportation (4400)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Terminal Cargo Handling & Yard Operations (Receiving, Staging, Delivery) (TLAHALAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Terminal & Shipyard Towage (Intra-Port/Facility Moves) (TLAHAHAI), Ferry Terminal, Port & Passenger Handling Services (THAEAGAJ), Stevedoring & Vessel Loading/Discharging (Ship-to-Shore Operations) (TLAHALAA)
Keywords
Where Port Marlborough is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Timaru
- HQ country
- New Zealand
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices5 records
Markets served
Port Marlborough business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Port Services and Berthing: Revenue from vessel berthing, pilotage, towage, and harbour support services. Port handles over 3,000 commercial vessel visits annually including ferries, cruise ships, and cargo vessels.
- Cargo Handling: Revenue from log exports and general cargo handling operations. Port handles over 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually and 809,699 JAS logs exported.
- Marina Operations: Revenue from marina facilities through subsidiary Marlborough Sounds Marinas, one of the largest marina businesses in the Southern Hemisphere with 2,060 marina facilities.
- Rental and Property: Revenue from commercial tenancy and property leases at port facilities including Westshore Warehouse for aquaculture industry.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Per transaction | Standard port tariffs for vessel services |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Port Access Card fee |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels3 records
Port Marlborough product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Port Marlborough provides port operations and marine services in and around Picton and Havelock at the heads of Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, including pilotage, towage, berthing, cargo handling, and marina services. It operates two commercial wharves (Waitohi Wharf for roll-on-roll-off ferries and Waimahara Wharf for log exports and cruise ships), a modernized ASD tug fleet, and one of the largest marina businesses in the Southern Hemisphere through its subsidiary Marlborough Sounds Marinas. The port handles over 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually and serves as the South Island terminal for New Zealand's inter-island ferry connection.
Product overview
Port Marlborough is a multi-faceted port operations company offering integrated maritime infrastructure and services. The core portfolio includes two commercial wharves (Waimahara Wharf for cargo/log exports and cruise ships, and Waitohi Wharf for roll-on-roll-off ferries), modernized towage fleet (Kaiana and Kaiaua tugs), pilot vessel services, and fixed crane operations across multiple locations. The company operates Marlborough Sounds Marinas as a subsidiary (one of the largest marina networks in the Southern Hemisphere), maintains environmental management systems aligned with ISO 14001, and operates specialized facilities including the Shakespeare Bay logyard and Westshore Warehouse for aquaculture logistics. The port serves as South Island terminal for New Zealand's inter-island ferry connection (State Highway 1) and handles over 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually, supporting industries including forestry exports, aquaculture, cruise tourism, and recreational boating.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Waitohi Wharf Berthing Services General-purpose finger wharf in Picton Harbour predominantly used by roll-on-roll-off vessels, small cruise ships, fishing and cement vessels. Features 240m length, 20m width, max draft 8.0-10.0m, and accommodates vessels up to 245m LOA. Primary berthing service for commercial ferry operators including StraitNZ Bluebridge.
- Waimahara Wharf Berthing Services Multi-purpose berth in Shakespeare Bay predominantly used for log exports and large cruise ships. Features 200m length, 13.5m max draft, accommodates vessels up to 350m LOA, with 10 hectares of quayside storage. Service for cargo exporters and cruise lines.
- Kaiana Towage Service Damen 21-11 Azimuth Stern Drive Harbour Tug offering 50-ton bollard pull towage service. Features propulsion units aft with winch capable of towing over bow or stern. Main tow line: 159t MBL 80mm braided line with 20-metre 204t MBL pennant. Service for commercial vessels requiring harbour towage assistance.
- Kaiaua Towage Service Damen 23-12 Azimuth Stern Drive Harbour Tug offering 70-72 ton bollard pull towage service at 23 metres length. Features Twin Fin skeg, MARPOL Tier III compliant engines, and flexibility to run on alternative fuels. Main tow line: 288t MBL 60mm braided line with 20-metre 204t MBL pennant. Service for commercial vessels requiring harbour towage assistance.
- Pilotage Service Compulsory pilotage service for commercial vessels entering Picton Harbour, with pilot transfers at Position Alpha (41 04.620S, 174 18.920 E) using Pilot Vessel Endeavour with cruising speed 17 knots and maximum speed 26 knots. Service for commercial vessel operators subject to compulsory pilotage requirements.
- Marlborough Sounds Marinas - Marina Berthing Services Marina berthing and related services across Picton, Havelock, Waikawa, and remote Marlborough Sounds locations. One of the largest marina businesses in the Southern Hemisphere with 2,060 facilities. All three marinas (Picton, Havelock, Waikawa) hold International Clean Marina certification. Service for recreational boaters and commercial vessel owners.
- Westshore Warehouse Storage Services 3,200sqm purpose-built warehouse storage and logistics facility at Waitohi Picton serving aquaculture and seafood industries. Primary function is centralized fish feed storage for New Zealand King Salmon and open ocean farm Blue Endeavour, reducing feed transport mileage by over 90%. Service for aquaculture operators and seafood exporters.
- Shakespeare Bay Logyard Cargo Handling Services Log export handling facility at Shakespeare Bay featuring award-winning roller compacted concrete (RCC) upgrade with 50 percent reduction in embodied carbon and eliminated construction waste. Service for forestry exporters and log cargo operators handling 809,699 JAS logs exported in FY25.
- Port Access Card Service Port user identification and access management system. Cards valid as proof of identity under Maritime Security Act 2004. Health & Safety inductions valid for 2 years. NZD $50 fee including GST. Service for port users, visitors, operators, and contractors requiring port access.
- Fixed Crane Services Fixed crane services for commercial users at Fishermans Wharf (Picton Marina), Pokiki and Sanford Wharves (Havelock), Elaine Bay, and Oyster Bay. Service for commercial vessel operators and marina users requiring lifting services.
Quantifiable outcome
- Waste diversion rate >70% from landfill achieved
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Port Marlborough
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Port Marlborough technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Port Marlborough partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- StraitNZ Bluebridgecore39-year commercial agreement securing StraitNZ's Cook Strait ferry services through Waitohi Picton to 2064. Provides long-term certainty for StraitNZ operations and enables coordinated planning for freight and passenger services across Cook Strait.
- Ferry Holdings LimitedcoreInterim Development Agreement (IDA) signed unlocking next phase of Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment. Partnership enables transition works to proceed and represents shared commitment to ferry project delivery.
- KiwiRailcoreKiwiRail confirmed as operator of two new Cook Strait rail ferries (Kupe and Cook) arriving 2029. Government programme capped at $1.7 billion taxpayer funding.
- New Zealand King SalmoncoreLong-term service contract with Westshore Warehouse for salmon feed storage. 3,200sqm purpose-built facility reduces feed transport mileage by over 90%. Supports marine operations including new Blue Endeavour open ocean farm.
- Waikawa Fishing CompanyminorMāori-owned deep-sea crab industry tenant at Westshore Warehouse. Pioneering New Zealand's deep-sea crab industry with live export logistics.
- Damen ShipyardscoreShipbuilder for ASD tugs Kaiana (2024) and Kaiaua (2026). Kaiana is 50-ton bollard pull Damen 2111; Kaiaua is 70-ton bollard pull Damen 2312. Both vessels feature patented Twin Fin skeg technology.
- HEB ConstructioncoreMain contractor for Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment Project. Currently undertaking demolition of Vehicle Access Bridge and linkspan removal. 90% of materials being diverted from landfill.
- Total ElectrixminorElectrical contractor for transformer and switch room relocation as part of ferry project works. Worked with Marlborough Lines and CMT Contracting on power infrastructure.
- Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-MāuicoreIwi partner with significant involvement in ferry project and port operations. Gifted cultural names Kaiana and Kaiaua for tugs. Involved in avian monitoring and environmental restoration projects. Participated in ministerial visits and project announcements.
- Guangzhou Shipyard InternationalcoreShipyard constructing new Cook Strait ferries Kupe and Cook. Fixed price contract with construction beginning 2027 and delivery expected 2029.
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport AgencycoreGovernment agency progressing new Dublin Street overbridge to improve safety and efficiency by separating road and rail movements. Partner in Cook Strait Ferry Replacement Programme.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Port Marlborough competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Port Marlborough compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Port Marlborough financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Port Marlborough leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Port Marlborough subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Port Marlborough funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Port Marlborough M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Port Marlborough
What does Port Marlborough do?
Port Marlborough provides port operations and marine services in and around Picton and Havelock at the heads of Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, including pilotage, towage, berthing, cargo handling, and marina services. It operates two commercial wharves (Waitohi Wharf for roll-on-roll-off ferries and Waimahara Wharf for log exports and cruise ships), a modernized ASD tug fleet, and one of the largest marina businesses in the Southern Hemisphere through its subsidiary Marlborough Sounds Marinas. The port handles over 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually and serves as the South Island terminal for New Zealand's inter-island ferry connection.
Is Port Marlborough a public or private company?
Port Marlborough is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Port Marlborough founded?
Port Marlborough was founded in 1988. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Port Marlborough based?
Port Marlborough is headquartered in Timaru, New Zealand, in the Oceania region.
How does Port Marlborough make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Port Services and Berthing is the primary driver. The others are cargo Handling, marina Operations and rental and Property.
Does Port Marlborough have an API?
No public API is recorded for Port Marlborough.
What industry is Port Marlborough in?
Port Marlborough's product category is Port Operations and Maritime Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAHALAB, Terminal Cargo Handling & Yard Operations (Receiving, Staging, Delivery), with a secondary code of TLAHAHAI, Terminal & Shipyard Towage (Intra-Port/Facility Moves). Its NAICS code is 4883 and its SIC code is 4400.