New pontoon meets demand at Nelson marina

Meeting the demand of the current Marina waiting list and providing some Super Yacht berths for visitors are the drivers behind the construction of a new pontoon at the Nelson marina, starting this week.

Nelson City Council Principal Adviser Reserves and Community Facilities Andrew Petheram says the 18 new berths which will be adjacent to the Akersten Street Boat Ramp, are 15 metres long and will go some way to accommodating the current waiting list. A further pontoon which can take vessels up to 30 metres is planned but is subject to Council approval.

“We have had a waiting list of 30 boats for quite some time. The first phase of the project will address that issue with the second phase anticipated to result in increased revenue for local marine businesses, and open up the region to a new audience of visitors.”

Andrew says Council has consulted with the sporting codes affected by this project and made adjustments at their request.

Meanwhile, as the new pontoon is located adjacent to the existing public boat ramp, Harbourmaster Dave Duncan says local boaties will need to show due consideration to other craft while construction continues until the end of June.

“Access to and from the ramp will now be via a 45 metre channel. It’s just a reminder that they’ll need to observe the three knot speed limit and apply the give way rules under their obligations in terms of Maritime law.”