Powerful Examples
Innovative lighting technologies such as LED or LEP improve the quality of light and save energy during port operations.
Even at night it can be as bright as day in our ports, because: handling takes place at any time. New lighting technologies such as LED or LEP promise energy savings and better light quality during port operations.
The lamps in ports are often installed at lofty heights and are therefore exposed to wind, weather and a harsh climate. We wanted to know: What is the best light source for the special challenges in our ports? Together with our project partners bremenports, JadeWeserPort and BLG, we got to the bottom of this question in various test series with the LEP/LED project. In the participating ports, various lighting situations were investigated that represent typical port scenarios, e.g. at railway facilities, locks, container and general cargo storage facilities. Each situation was recorded according to specific criteria. We were interested in findings on lighting quality and luminous efficacy, energy efficiency and occupational safety. At the same time, we obtained data on the effects of light emissions on the lives of insects.
Innovative Lighting Technologies in Comparison
In the seaport of Brake we had the special opportunity to install three lighting variants on a test track directly next to each other. The large storage area for general cargo west of the Niedersachsenkai is illuminated by three high masts from a height of 36 m. We equipped each of the masts with a different lighting variant: firstly with new, conventional sodium vapour lamps, secondly with LEDs ("light emitting diode") and the third mast received LEPs ("light emitting plasma"). Thus, the lighting technologies in Brake literally shone in a race at night. After comparing all criteria, the LED lights showed a clear advantage over the radiant power of the LEP lights and conventional lighting. The results in Brake were compared with those in Bremen and Bremerhaven, and at the end of the project there was a unanimous conclusion: LED luminaires should be preferred to other luminaires in new installations. Warm white LED light is also advantageous for insects.
The results of the research project, which was supported by funds from the Northwest Metropolitan Region, have given us a clear signal: We will gradually switch to LED lighting in all NPorts ports.
In Line with Requirements: The Right Light at the Right Time
Intelligent control, automation and energy-saving LED technology are the basis of the new track lighting system in Emden and provide the right light at the right time. Whether shunting work or loading and unloading, early evening, late night, drizzle or clear starry sky: motion detectors as well as light and track sensors detect the respective situations. The system automatically detects which light setting is required. If necessary, the employees of the signal box or the loading company can also regulate the light individually. The control system can also be operated remotely via app. The advantages of the intelligent lighting system are manifold. Reduced CO₂ footprint of the port, less disturbance to nocturnal species and less impact on insects are among the ecological advantages. Economically speaking, the LED lights have a significantly longer service life, are easier to maintain and save around 70% energy. And in terms of social effects, the new lighting system also convinces our employees and our customers, who can see better and work more safely in the track field. Even local residents are feeling the change: When there is no handling activity pending, the automatic control system dims the illuminance down to 5 lux. This is enough for security and guard duty, reduces light emissions and even allows night-time stops in the port.
