1. Marine Grade Aluminum Housing: Long Term Corrosion Resistance

Saltwater exposure can rapidly cause corrosion on standard aluminum alloys. Therefore, the housing material used in a marine lantern must provide enhanced resistance to marine corrosion.

Marine grade aluminum alloys:
• Slow down salt induced oxidation
• Improve mechanical strength
• Maintain structural stability under temperature variations

The aluminum housing used in SonarSea LN series marine lanterns ensures long term reliability for marinas, ports, and offshore platforms.

2. UV Resistant Optical Material to Preserve Light Performance

Since the optical assembly of a marine lantern is exposed directly to sunlight, resistance to UV radiation is a critical part of technical performance.

UV stabilized PMMA (acrylic) optical materials:
• Prevent yellowing
• Preserve optical transmission over time
• Maintain visibility performance

This ensures continued compliance with IALA recommendations throughout the operational lifetime of the lantern.

3. IP68 Ingress Protection

In marine environments, water, humidity, and salt vapor are the greatest threats to electronic components. Therefore, marine lanterns must provide:

• High ingress protection
• Complete isolation of electronics from the external environment
• Protection of LED modules and batteries against environmental stress

An IP68 level design, as implemented in SonarSea products, is a key indicator of reliability in demanding conditions.

4. Corrosion Resistant and Mechanically Stable Fastening Design

All fastening and assembly points that connect the housing and optical components must be manufactured from corrosion resistant materials. The purpose is to:

• Prevent weakening caused by saltwater exposure
• Reduce the risk of loosening or deformation over time
• Maintain structural stability under wind and vibration loads

These design principles ensure that marine lanterns remain securely mounted even in harsh marine conditions.

5. LED Optical Efficiency: Balancing Energy and Performance

Modern marine lanterns use high efficiency LED technology to provide long range visibility with minimal power consumption. This is a critical advantage in demanding maritime environments.

Key performance elements in SonarSea marine lanterns include:
• LED lifetime of up to 100,000 hours
• Optical designs that comply with IALA recommendations
• Optimized lens geometry

SonarSea’s optical engineering approach maximizes both energy efficiency and field visibility, improving maritime safety while minimizing maintenance requirements.

6. Integrated Solar Power and Intelligent Energy Management

In solar marine lanterns, the energy system is a fundamental component of durability.

MPPT based charge controllers, battery protection circuits, and thermal management systems provide:
• Stable operation even during winter
• Continuous illumination throughout the year
• Zero operational carbon emissions

SonarSea LN series lanterns with integrated solar power systems deliver long term and sustainable field performance.

Durability Begins with the Right Material Selection

The performance of a marine lantern is determined not only by its luminous intensity but also by the quality of the materials used. The housing structure, optical components, ingress protection level, fastening design, and power architecture together form the foundation of a reliable solution designed for long term operation in harsh marine environments.

SonarSea’s engineering philosophy places durability at the center. In this way, the company delivers reliable and high performance Aids to Navigation solutions for marinas, port authorities, and offshore projects.

Discover SonarSea LN series marine lanterns and choose the most suitable solution for your project.