VLB-5 Harbour Entrance Markers in River Crouch Harbour, UK
To enhance navigation along the tidal River Crouch—a busy commercial waterway on England’s east coast—the Crouch Harbour Authority implemented a large-scale buoyage upgrade. At the heart of the project were VLB-67 LED beacons, chosen for their reliability, GPS synchronisation, and proven performance in riverine environments.
Background & Challenge
Flowing entirely through the county of Essex on the east coast of the UK, the River Crouch spans 15.21 nautical miles from Holliwell Point, north of Foulness Island, to Battlesbridge. The river serves as an essential waterway for commercial vessels, including those with draughts of up to 6 metres.
Due to the low-lying nature of the shoreline and the considerable distances between navigation buoys, safe passage requires precise plotting of vessel position and heading at all times. The existing buoyage system, while functional, needed enhancement to support increasing commercial traffic and to improve visibility, especially in poor weather conditions or during night operations.
To address these navigational challenges, the Crouch Harbour Authority launched a major improvement initiative, targeting the buoyage system along the approach channels from Whitaker Spit to Burnham Fairway. The project involved the deployment of 26 new navigation buoys and the reuse of four existing units. A key requirement was the integration of modern, reliable beacon lighting capable of supporting synchronized operation and clear visibility over short ranges.
Solution for Improving River Navigation – Reliable Lights Across a Demanding Channel
Sabik’s verified partner Hydrosphere, in close cooperation with the Crouch Harbour Authority, recommended the VLB-67 Short Range LED Marine Beacon. Designed for applications requiring a 2 to 5 nautical mile range (@ 0.74T), the VLB-67 is a compact, self-contained, and energy-efficient solution well-suited for river and coastal environments.
All 26 new buoys were fitted with VLB-67 Standard Self-Contained LED lights, chosen for their reliability, ease of installation, and adherence to IALA standards. Key deployments included:
- 12 lateral buoys with GPS-enabled synchronization
- 8 cardinal buoys for hazard marking
- 4 special marks to indicate unique zones or features
2 safe water marks to guide vessels to mid-channel routes or safe entry points
Outcome: VLB-67 LED Beacons Significantly Enhanced Channel Safety
Commissioned as part of the broader buoyage upgrade, the VLB-67 lights now provide consistent, high-visibility guidance throughout the River Crouch. GPS synchronization across lateral buoys enhances pattern recognition for mariners, contributing to safer and more efficient navigation.
The Crouch Harbour Authority now benefits from a low-maintenance, future-ready beacon system that significantly enhances operational safety and supports the needs of commercial and recreational traffic alike.
Featured Marine Products
VLB-67 Short Range LED Marine Beacon
