Sabik M44 LED Lantern Restoring Safe Navigation in Beirut Port
Sabik partnered with Teletel Electronic Communication Systems and the Beirut Port Authority to bring a critical lighthouse at Beirut Port back to life. Severely damaged in the 2020 explosion, the breakwater head lighthouse had remained dark for years, leaving vessels without a vital navigational guide at one of Lebanon’s busiest maritime gateways.
In 2024, a full rehabilitation effort was launched, culminating in the installation of a modern Sabik M44 LED lantern and supporting infrastructure that restored safe, reliable, and energy-efficient navigation to the port.
Background and Challenge
Located at the main breakwater head of Beirut Port, the major green lighthouse serves as a vital aid to navigation at the entrance of one of Lebanon’s busiest maritime gateways.
The lighthouse was severely damaged during the Beirut port explosion in 2020, rendering it inoperable. Its absence posed a significant risk to vessel traffic entering the port, especially under poor visibility conditions.
In 2024, a field inspection and technical rehabilitation study were initiated in collaboration with the General Directorate of Land and Maritime Transport and the Beirut Port Authority.
The goal was to determine the most technically and financially sound solution for restoring the lighthouse to full operational status, either by refurbishing the existing infrastructure or installing a new LED-based system.
Solution for Modern Navigation – New LED Lantern and Full Tower Rehabilitation
Following a comprehensive evaluation, the decision was made to replace the damaged metal halide lighting system with a modern, energy-efficient Sabik M44 LED lantern. The project also included structural repairs, updated electronics, and solar-powered functionality to meet long-term operational needs.
The scope of work included:
- Equipment Room: The damaged room was replaced with two elevated fiberglass cabinets (one for batteries and one for control equipment) offering protection against water spray from waves.
- Metal Tower: The steel tower was cleaned, painted green, and equipped with a new stainless steel base for the radar reflector.
- Electronic Components and battery set: A new control system and batteries (12V/320AH total) were installed for improved energy autonomy.
- Lantern Upgrade: The existing lantern was replaced with a Sabik M44 LED model, mounted via a custom 50 cm stainless steel adaptor.
- Solar Power: Existing solar panels were cleaned and refurbished, with one panel replaced to ensure full functionality.
- Electrical Cables: All old wiring was replaced with marine-grade rubber cables connected to the new control and power systems.
- Lightning Protection: A new lightning protection bayonet was prepared for installation, pending completion of the grounding system by divers in the next maintenance phase.
Outcome: A Fully Modernized Lighthouse Secures Safe Port Entry
The upgraded lighthouse became fully operational on April 22, 2025, restoring essential navigational guidance to vessels approaching Beirut Port. With the installation of the M44 LED lantern and supporting infrastructure, the lighthouse now offers reliable, long-lasting, and energy-efficient operation in line with international standards.
The team plans to finalize grounding work during the upcoming buoy rehabilitation project, ensuring full lightning protection before the next winter season. The Port Authority has also expressed interest in further enhancing safety by installing a new leading light at the sea entrance.
The successful completion of this lighthouse rehabilitation marks a significant milestone in Beirut’s maritime safety restoration efforts.
