Port New Plymouth (Port Code:NZNPL) is the only deep sea port on the west coast of New Zealand and accommodates a variety of large overseas and coastal vessels. The approach to the harbour is safe and easily navigable with an open roadstead and anchorage in 18.0m-22.0m. There is no bar and the port is protected by two breakwaters. Inside the harbour, the approach fairways provide a swinging basin up to 365m, with a depth of 12.5m, giving access for Panamax size vessels. Vessels can be berthed in most weathers and night berthing is possible. The port is the base for offshore oil exploration and servicing and for the export of products of the petroleum and petrochemical industries. Two berths are available for landing heavy lifts; the breakwater berth can handle almost unlimited weights and the Blyde Wharf can handle up to 600t distributed load. Mobile cranes capable of lifting up to 70t are available. The port has wide experience in the handling of large heavy loads. It is an artificially-sheltered port handling dry and liquid bulk, passengers, Ro-Ro, containers offshore and breakbulk cargo. The main imports are grains, animal feed, fertilisers and petroleum products, the main exports are crude oil, petroleum products, methanol, LPG and logs. The statutory authority for safety and navigation is the Taranaki Regional Council and the port is also known as Port Taranaki.