A fuel tanker is racing to unload diesel at Darwin Port as Tropical Cyclone Fina moves towards the Northern Territory's capital.

According to Darwin Port chief executive Peter Dummett, the NT had only "four to five days" of diesel reserves.

He said the ship's arrival was fast-tracked as the region prepares for one of its earliest cyclones on record.

"The [tanker] wasn't due into Darwin until Sunday, but we contacted the agents and sped the ship up to get it into Darwin and get as much fuel off as we can," Mr Dummett said.

"We then need to clear the harbour of all ships and move ships off the wharf so vessels don't get damaged, infrastructure doesn't get damaged, and crews are safe." Loading...

Mr Dummett said the port would likely close as of 9pm Friday evening and the tanker, Ardm

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