We provide vessel haul-out and launch services for a variety of commercial vessels.

The facility features a slipway and hardstand area supported by a 550-tonne boat hoist, enabling vessels of up to 2,400 tonnes to be serviced locally.

To support our customers further, we provide coordination services that connect them with specialist marine trades and suppliers as required.

Our site systems and operational controls are designed to promote safe and environmentally responsible maintenance practices at all times. In addition, we offer pilotage and berthage services within Port Nelson, along with essential utilities such as shore power and water. Rubbish removal services are also available to ensure a clean and compliant working environment.

We support a broad range of vessel types, including, but not limited to harbour and service vessels, fishing vessels, workboats, wooden vessels, aquaculture vessels, and other commercial craft.

Maritime & Marine Providers

What People Are Saying

  • "Calwell is an asset to Nelson, having a network of local businesses right next door means we don't have to travel far to find the right service provider or product supplier, for our vessels, I don't think there's anywhere else in New Zealand like it. Everyone on site has been super helpful - we're looking forward to seeing Calwell develop further."

    — Grant Orr, Westfleet

  • "I found the whole experience of docking at Calwell extremely easy and very professional. Calwell will be a real benefit to Port Nelson, the Nelson region as a whole as well as to vessel operators. Its location so centrally in New Zealand should make an attractive option to anyone who wants to dock a vessel, and the convenience of having all the contractors you would ever need right on the doorstep is an added bonus."

    — Edward Allison, Southport

  • "We had great service, support and communication from the Calwell team while Tōia was up for her service. The guys from NZ Coatings, Kernohan, Marine & General, Kongsberg and Terra CAT (among others) are so knowledgeable and skilled. The combined effort ensured we had a great docking and our vessel was back on the water without delay."

    — Will McCoy - Port Nelson

Visitors to Calwell

  • Galatea II - Westfleet, NZ

    The Westfleet vessel, Galatea II, was the first vessel brought onto the newly opened Calwell hardstand for works, in April 2026.

    Interestingly, the last vessel brought up the Nelson Slipway before it was decommisioned, was Ariki, from the same owner. It wasn’t intended that way, but due for her 4 year survey, Galatea II was lifted onto site where she spent 10 days under maintenance by local crews. Later this year, we will welcome another of Westfleet’s vessels, Ocean Odyssey, for her next haulout.

  • Rakiwai - Southport, NZ

    Rakiwai spent three weeks on our hardstand. This was this Damen ATD 2412 tractor tug’s first out of water survey, and the second Damen tug to visit the Calwell yard since opening.

    She was an impressive sight out of the water and looked the part with a new coat of antifoul paint. On the hardstand, the simple blocking arrangement allowed all local service providers clear space around and under the vessel.

  • Tōia - Port Nelson, NZ

    Tōia, the Port Nelson Damen tug, was serviced on the hardstand in August 2026. This was the tug’s second drydocking, and it’s 10 year docking.

     Various local businesses spent just 21 days completing a main engine service, thruster service, full hull and deck painting, and fixed fire CO2 system work, before we lifted her back into the water, with our Cimolai Mobile Boat Hoist. We will soon see the Port’s Pilot vessel ‘Manuka’ on the hardstand for servicing.