The TRANBERG® TEF 2488 is a fixed blue steering light for vessels transiting the Panama Canal, the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Kiel Canal and similar waterways. It is a compact, watertight luminaire in anodised black seawater-resistant aluminium, stainless steel and glass, designed and manufactured by R. STAHL Tranberg in Stavanger for a maintenance-free service life of an estimated 100 000 hours. One part number, 2488 550, covers the standard 230/240 V AC version.
What a Panama steering light is
The Panama Canal regulations (35 CFR § 103.27) require every vessel over 100 m (328 ft) in length to carry a steering range at or near the stem with a fixed blue light that is clearly visible from the bridge along the centreline. The pilot uses the light as a fixed reference point when steering the ship through the locks and the narrow cuts of the canal. If a single light would be obstructed, two lights are installed at equal distance from the centreline. The light must be switchable from the navigation bridge or the forecastle deck, and it is used at the discretion of the canal pilot. The same arrangement is accepted on the St. Lawrence Seaway and in the Kiel Canal.
Why TEF 2488
- Watertight and maintenance-free: IP56, resistant to vibration, no consumables
- Low power consumption of only 5 W at 230/240 V AC, with 2 candela blue light output
- Seawater-resistant materials: anodised black aluminium, stainless steel and glass
- Operates from −30 °C to +45 °C, safe-area installation on the forecastle
- Stainless steel M25 cable gland and four M6 mounting points for quick installation
- Switched and dimmed from the bridge together with the navigation lights through the TEF 4900 Commander with the Panama dimmer module
Technical data
| Part number | 2488 550 |
|---|---|
| Description | Blue steering light for Panama, St. Lawrence, Kiel and similar canals, 230 V AC |
| Material | Anodised black, seawater-resistant aluminium, stainless steel and glass |
| Input voltage | 230/240 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Power consumption | 5 W |
| Light output | 2 candela, blue |
| Ingress protection | IP56 |
| Operating temperature | −30 °C to +45 °C |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Cable entry | M25 stainless steel gland |
| Mounting | 4 × M6 |
| Area of use | Safe area |
Approvals and regulations
- Designed to meet 35 CFR Part 103, § 103.27 «Clear view forward from the bridge and steering light requirement for certain vessels» (Panama Canal Zone regulations)
- Dimension drawing 240A4453 and the datasheet TPS7573 are listed above the table
Installation and control
Mount the light at or near the stem so that it is visible from the bridge along the centreline, or fit two lights symmetrically about the centreline where the view would be obstructed. Connect the 230 V AC supply through the M25 gland. For switching and dimming from the bridge, add the Panama dimmer module to a TEF 4900 Commander navigation light control system; the light can also be switched from a separate switch on the bridge or the forecastle deck. Contact us for a complete lantern list for canal transit, including navigation lights and signal lights.
