Bright light for Seattle

Seattle’s Terminals 90 and 91 are now equipped for safer night work on cruise ships, commercial workboats and fishing vessels after being retrofitted with Bright Light Systems’ Light Emitting Plasma (LEP) lighting.

The Port of Seattle says the Bright Light Systems' LEPs make night work safer for its longshoremen

The port chose BLP1000 Lighting Emitting Plasma (LEP) luminaires manufactured by the US-based company to replace the existing high-pressure sodium lighting which it said has reached its “useful lifespan” and wasn’t delivering the coverage needed.

“LEP luminaires provide increased colour recognition, are dimmable to 20%, and carry a lifetime rating of 50,000 hours,” explained John Chalmers, director of marketing for Bright Light Systems. “Energy costs are now projected to be reduced over 50%, the installation is Dark-Sky Compliant, and the crisp white light will enhance security cameras’ image acuity and the ability to recognise faces.”

“We are very pleased with our new lighting on the piers. The luminaires installed easily onto our existing infrastructure, and we were able to aim the light where it’s needed to eliminate dark areas. Looked at from all aspects, the upgrade has a positive effect on the environment. Bright Light Systems BLP1000 was the ideal solution for us,” added Robert Hoyman, marine maintenance project manager, Port of Seattle.

The Port of Seattle is home to the Northern Fishing Fleet, and 180 cruise ships depart every year. Work on the docks is often 24/7, and longshoremen are said to have told the port that the new BLS plasma lights have significantly improved their working conditions.