PEL-4 Sector Lantern Enhancing Port Entry Safety at Gdynia Port, Poland
To modernize navigational infrastructure and support the safe passage of increasingly larger vessels, the Port of Gdynia Authority S.A. launched a major reconstruction project. A critical part of this effort involved solving structural and spatial constraints caused by the port’s entrance redesign.
In partnership with Sabik, Pronaw Sp. z o.o., our trusted long-time partner in Poland, delivered a groundbreaking solution—the installation of the first LED PEL sector lantern in Poland, the PEL-4—which replaced the previous halogen-based system and eliminated the need for constructing an additional lead light tower.
Background and challenge
Pronaw Sp. z o.o. has been a trusted distributor of Sabik (previously Vega) products in Poland for over a decade. In 2007, the Vega PEL-3, using halogen technology, became the first precision sector light (PEL) installed along the Polish coastline. Years later, during the port entry reconstruction at Gdynia, a new challenge emerged.
The Port of Gdynia Authority S.A. initiated the program titled “Deepening of the fairway and internal sea areas of the Port of Gdynia”, aiming to accommodate vessels up to 400 meters long. As part of this program, the inner entrance of the port had to be extended, which in turn required the rebuilding of the groyne structure where the lower lead light tower previously stood. The new configuration meant there was no space to rebuild the lower tower, and financial limitations made it impractical to construct a new one.
Solution – PEL-4 Sector Lantern and Integrated Modernization
After reviewing possible options, the Port Authority decided to modernize the existing higher tower and install a single LED sector light, the PEL-4, to mark the safe channel into the port. To enhance the visibility of the PEL-4 among other port lights, a VRL-74 range light was installed directly above it. These lanterns were then integrated with a remote monitoring system to support continuous oversight.
Pronaw Sp. z o.o. provided a comprehensive, turnkey solution that included:
- Structural upgrades to the existing tower
- Steel and electrical work
- Lantern installation and precise alignment
- Sector calibration by Sabik, tailored to the local navigational environment
Thanks to Pronaw’s technical experience and end-to-end project execution, the new system was successfully installed and fully operational as planned.
Outcome – Cost Savings and Improved Navigational Clarity
The decision to use a single tower equipped with PEL-4 not only streamlined the reconstruction but also led to significant cost savings—more than €100,000, as no new tower had to be constructed.
“We estimate savings for the end client for more than 100.000 EUR for not having to construct a new tower for lead light,” says Mr Marek Tomaszewski, Chairman of the board of Pronaw Sp. z o.o , and continues “Having a manufacturing partner with such a wide range of products like Sabik Marine allows Pronaw to participate in more projects than earlier, to give better offers and more dedication to our own clients. We rate Sabik as the most experienced producer in the Aids to Navigation, which also gives us confidence knowing that we provide the most reliable products available on the market.”
The implementation of the PEL-4 LED sector light alongside the VRL-74 range light has not only elevated navigational safety at Gdynia port but has also demonstrated a more cost-effective, modern approach to maritime lighting—setting a new standard in Polish port infrastructure.
