It is widely recognised that high heat has a detrimental effect on the performance of electronic devices, including those in the shipping industry. This is particularly true for port and terminal lighting, which can experience a significantly shorter lifespan in hot climates where temperatures can reach as high as 45°C during the day and 35°C at night.
It pays to think ahead
While it is essential to have high-quality lighting that meets legal and insurance requirements, many owners and operators may not realize the significant impact their choice of lighting can have on the overall energy efficiency, safety, and security of their ports. Failing to consider factors such as heat when making purchase decisions can lead to costly downtime, hazardous working conditions, and non-compliance with regulations in the future. It is important to note that the cheapest option may not always be the most cost-effective solution.
For instance, many port owners continue to utilize lighting solutions such as high-pressure sodium, metal halide, or other outdated technologies, which can have negative economic and environmental impacts. A high-pressure sodium system not only compromises the colour rendering of your CCTV systems but also incurs high maintenance costs. Similarly, a metal halide lamp may initially provide a high lumen output but typically experiences a 20% output loss within the first 6 months while consuming the same amount of energy. Additionally, metal halide bulbs emit a significant amount of heat (approximately 90% of the total energy consumed), making them prone to quicker overheating and higher chances of failure.
In contrast, LED lighting emits minimal forward heat while providing exceptional visibility due to its clear light. This results in increased light levels by up to 50% or more, reducing energy consumption in ports and terminals by over 70%. LED lighting not only minimises light pollution but also contributes to waste reduction due to its long-lasting durability.
Port and terminal owners in hot climates, such as the Middle East where temperatures can exceed 45°C in ports like Jebel Ali, must adopt a forward-thinking approach to all aspects of the supply chain to prevent potential infrastructure problems in the future.
Mitigating risk
Although high-heat environments inevitably impact all lighting solutions, there are effective ways to mitigate and manage these issues to ensure a prolonged impact. LED Lighting, for instance, may experience lumen depreciation and colour shift due to heat. However, investing in LED lighting that not only delivers superior efficiencies but is also specifically designed and built with air ventilation and quality components tailored to the environment, such as aluminium, can significantly extend its lifespan and save costs in the long run.
At Midstream, we understand the challenges presented by high heat environments. That is why we take great care in designing our LED lighting to meet these unique demands. Our LED lighting is built to the highest standards, incorporating features such as inbuilt air circulation, fixed secondary optics, and silicon-based thermal pads. Additionally, our solutions are tailored specifically for hot climates, offering protection against the negative effects of solar heat. We achieve this by including elements like solar covers and painting luminaire bodies white, which can lower temperatures by approximately 50°C.
High-grade lighting solutions play a crucial role in creating a safe, secure, efficient, and high-performing port. As experts in the marine sector understand, it is essential to rely on solutions that can be trusted to deliver in real-life situations. In hot climates, this means finding a robust solution that can meet the demands of challenging environmental conditions.