The Government is facing backlash after Customs refused entry to a tune ship.

Aimex, a Nelson marine engineering company has been refused permission to bring in a boat from American-Samoa to enter for repairs.

The company says the Ship is worth millions of dollars and could cost jobs.

Aimex general manager Simon Lavery told Heather du Plessis-Allan they are all confused as to why the ship has not been let in.

"From our perspective we don't believe that this vessel will provide any Covid-19 risk to New Zealand, it's last port of call was American Samoa which has no cases of Covid-19 and closed its borders in March."

Mr Lavery says the crew ca easily be quarantined and tested if needed.

He adds the ship coming into Nelson creates jobs.

"This is a rel concern for us, because it's not just about this particular individual vessel it's about a number of vessels.

"There's a whole industry down at port Nelson that thrives on this. So it's not just our business, the flow-on effect is local community, the region, electrical business, sub-services and trades."