The Port of Bridgetown, located on the southwest coast of Barbados, is the Caribbean island’s main seaport and cruise terminal. Currently, this port is undergoing a significant project for the expansion of berthing capacity. The introduction of the new Berth 6 impacted the existing layout of Aids to Navigation, requiring the installation of a sector light to replace an existing set of Front and Rear Leads. Due to the expansion of port and berthing facilities, the existing Front and Rear Leads would be obstructed to the point that they could no longer perform their specified function as a leading line.
MSM and M-NAV Solutions were studying the case and analysing the new configuration of the port to offer a solution based on the design and installation of a single sector light following the IALA Guidelines: the MEL500L high-resolution LED sector light. This equipment uses the most advanced LED technology to ensure minimal consumption, highly reliable operation and reduce maintenance requirements. Furthermore, following the port’s requirements, it has a day range of 4 NM, a horizontal divergence of 15º and a highly accurate sector configuration.
The MEL500L was installed in a new location, refurbishing and relocating an existing tower previously used for the Rear Lead / Range, ensuring the continued provision of directional information to mariners for navigating the passage.
Challenges
- Replace the two existing Leads
- Use one lantern & one site for the new Lead
- Provide directional information to the mariner
- Use a Sector Light installed in a new location
Solution
- Design and Installation of the MEL500L high-resolution LED Sector Light
- Refurbishment and relocation of an existing tower to install the new Sector Light
Thanks to this AtoN equipment, the Port of Bridgetown now has an efficient and low-consumption solution adapted to its new needs, facilitating and enhancing safe and efficient navigation of vessels into the Port.
