Not all LED port fittings created equal

Fareed Ishani of Sweden-based Prismalence confirmed to Port Strategy that LED lighting will increasingly be the lighting of choice for ports in the medium term, but warned that not all fixtures are the same. And with many manufacturers failing to offer data on performance, ports are often unable to compare like for like.

“The new generation of LEDs have transformed the use of RTGs and STS cranes in ports. Improved ground cover has led to less accidents, happier operators, and a reduction in overall lighting demand,” said Mr Ishani.

“However, with a lot of manufacturers offering a huge range of energy-saving lighting solutions, many ports find choosing the right technology very difficult,” he added. “It is important to understand that LED is very diverse; the skill is in choosing the right type of LED for the job.”

Key is establishing the hot lumen system output – that is the actual performance of the fitting in the field rather than in the lab. Ports should concentrate on manufacturers that focus on long term high performing fixtures with the least glare and minimum performance loss.

Prismalence employs hardened glass optics to spread light more efficiently than cheaper polycarbonate optics which can be discoloured by UV and have a tendency to degrade with heat.

The manufacturer has also adopted lighting innovations from other heavy industries to improve its port lighting offerings, learning from the high heat in the steel industry, the heavy vibrations of the mining sector and the corrosive atmosphere found in paper mills.

After months of testing, Prismalence has launched its latest range of mini Stella LED 40/60/80/120w for RTGs and the 320 watt for STS crane mast lighting. Its fixtures operate in temperate extremes from -30c and +50c.