Reliable Day and Night Navigation with VRL-74 at Karaikal Port, India
When Karaikal Port’s growing vessel traffic demanded a lighting upgrade capable of guiding ships day and night along its busy 11-kilometre channel, the VRL-74 range light system offered a precise and energy-efficient solution. With twin towers and programmable operation, the new setup ensures uninterrupted visibility and safer port access around the clock.
Background
Situated on India’s southeastern coast, MARG Karaikal Port serves as a vital maritime gateway to the state of Tamil Nadu. Commissioned in April 2009 near the town of Karaikal, the port has since developed into a key logistics hub, handling a wide array of cargo types for regional and international industries.
Designed with state-of-the-art infrastructure, the port continues to evolve through phased expansions. One critical enhancement occurred in late 2014, targeting the port’s navigation system. At the time, transit lights were operational only at night, and the existing day marker lacked sufficient visibility for navigating the full 11-kilometre channel during daylight hours.
Karaikal Port’s busy marine environment is supported by a fully functional marine control centre and a comprehensive infrastructure network, including administrative buildings, access roads, and storage facilities. With three mobile harbor cranes in constant operation and ongoing bulk cargo activities, ensuring uninterrupted and safe vessel transit became a priority.
The Challenge
The growing scale of operations demanded an upgrade that would enable reliable and visible guidance for vessels both during the day and at night. The existing aids to navigation did not meet the requirements for 24/7 operations, especially along the entire channel length.
The Solution
In collaboration with key stakeholders, such as the Port Pilots and Port Management, a comprehensive solution was developed over the course of a one-month consultation. The VRL-74 Range Light was selected for its proven visibility and reliability in demanding maritime environments.
The VRL-74 provides a high-intensity light with dual power options, solar and mains, and delivers visibility up to 6NM in daylight and over 10NM at night. The system consists of both a front and rear light, installed on new towers spaced 1,500 metres apart. Aligned due east, the lead lights are visible across the entire 11km channel, offering exceptional guidance for approaching vessels.
For day range calculations, the system was tested against a background luminance of 5,000 cd/m². The channel width at the time of installation was 160 metres and was later expanded to 250 metres, further increasing navigational demands. The beacons are clearly visible to vessels with bridge heights ranging from 5 to 50 metres.
Outcome
Commissioned in December 2014, the VRL-74 range light system has been operating reliably ever since. By offering continuous visibility in both daylight and darkness, it has greatly improved navigational safety and efficiency at Karaikal Port.
The system is programmable as a single unit and can be configured for day-only, night-only, or full day-and-night operation. Light intensity can also be independently adjusted for day and night conditions, providing additional flexibility to meet changing environmental needs.
