It is the only deep water port on the west coast of New Zealand, and is owned by the Taranaki Regional Council.

The port handles a wide range of coastal and international cargoes, mostly relating to the farming, engineering and petrochemical industries.

The port was established in 1875, and construction of the main breakwater began in 1881 with Frederic Carrington ceremoniously laying the first stone.

This site is adjacent to the port and provided an additional 18 ha of land.

[6] In 2017, the port purchased a new tug boat Kinaki which replaced a 45-year-old vessel Kupe.