Leading Lights VLL-43 Increasing Marine Safety at Poti Port, Georgia
To increase port safety at Poti Sea Port, the largest port in Georgia, Sabik implemented VLL-43 running lights to improve port marking.
Background and Challenge
The Poti Sea Port, the largest port in Georgia, is situated on the eastern Black Sea coast at the mouth of the Rioni River. Serving as a vital link between Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, this port presents a complex route for mariners due to a sharp turn from the sea route and a very narrow channel leading to the port. The strong background illumination adds to the visual challenges faced by port traffic, making it difficult to discern the leading light.
To address these issues, an advanced nautical lighting solution was implemented to enhance port security and safety.
Solution for Increasing Port Safety – Running Lights to Catch the Eye
The leading line was already marked with fixed LO 200M lights atop dayboards, but additional port marking was needed due to the background illumination. To increase visibility and enhance safety, Sabik proposed implementing running lights on the front of the dayboards. These maritime lights would effectively catch the eye of the observer, improving the overall port safety.
The most suitable running light for this application is the linear LED light VLL-43. This powerful unidirectional lead light offers low power consumption, suitable optical divergence, and cost-effective value. These marine lanterns are also easy to install on vertical surfaces, making them ideal for various installation locations.
In 2020, Georgian State Hydrographic Service purchased these range lanterns through an electronic tender. The equipment was supplied to the Hydrographic Service through our distributor Neptuni. Four VLL-43 lanterns were installed on dayboards of each leading line: on the first tower of the first knee (red light) of the entrance canal and on the first tower of the second knee (green light).
The running light is positioned at approximately the same height as the respective dayboard. The light source runs quite freely from the background-lighted bottom of the dayboard to the top area illuminated by the range light. The VLL-43 lanterns are powered by a basic solar power system, utilizing advanced solar panel technology. This setup ensures low-maintenance operation due to the small duty cycle and minimal power requirements of the lanterns.
Outcome: VLL-43 Leading Lights Significantly Improved Port Safety
“Pilots, other users, and stakeholders are satisfied, and to sum up, the quality of navigation through the Poti port canal is much higher now. I wish continuous success to your company,” states Aleksandre Zarkua, Head of Division of Technical Service and Monitoring of Navigational Marks in Georgian State Hydrographic Service.
LEPL Georgian State Hydrographic Service operates under the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia and conducts procurement in accordance with Georgian laws.
This innovative lighting solution has significantly improved the safety of the complex route leading to Poti Port, providing fairway managers with an efficient tool for guiding vessels safely into the harbor. The combination of traditional port marking techniques with modern LED marine lanterns has created a robust system that enhances visibility and reduces navigational risks, even in challenging conditions.
More information:
Evgeny Nabatov
Regional Sales Manager
evgeny.nabatov (at) spx.com
