What type of lighting is suitable for terminals in cold or hot climates?

For terminals in cold climates, lighting is needed that functions reliably at temperatures down to -45 °C, while terminals in warm or industrial environments require luminaires that can withstand heat, humidity, and corrosion. The right choice depends on the climate, environmental risks, and operational requirements of the terminal. This article answers the most frequently asked questions about marine lighting for terminals in extreme climates.

What conditions make terminal lighting so demanding?

Terminals are environments where everything happens at once: salty sea air attacks materials, cranes and vehicles cause vibrations, and the lighting must guarantee optimal visibility in all weather conditions. In addition, most terminals operate day and night, giving luminaires hardly any rest. Standard lighting is simply not designed for this combination of factors and fails prematurely, resulting in unsafe situations and high maintenance costs.

Specifically, these are the factors that make terminal lighting so challenging:

Exposure to salty and humid sea air, which accelerates corrosion
Strong wind loads at high altitudes on lighting poles
Vibrations from moving cranes, vehicles and ship movements
Extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night or between seasons
Dust, dirt and precipitation that contaminate luminaires and reduce luminous flux
Difficult accessibility for maintenance, making a long lifespan essential

For Ports and terminals lighting has a direct impact on employee safety, the efficiency of loading and unloading operations, and the continuity of the entire logistics process.

What temperature ranges must terminal lights be able to withstand?

In most cases, terminal lights must function within a range of at least -25 °C to +50 °C. In extreme applications,think of arctic terminals or locations next to industrial heat sources,this can range from -45 °C on the lower end to +120 °C on the upper end.

In addition, the outside temperature is not the only thing that matters. LED luminaires also generate internal heat, and if the ambient temperature is already high, thermal overload can significantly shorten the lifespan of the LED driver and the light source. A well-designed luminaire takes this into account through passive cooling and a robust housing.

For terminals in cold climates, the reverse risk applies: at extremely low temperatures, LED drivers may start up more slowly or perform less well. Luminaires certified for use in cold environments are specially tested for reliable operation at freezing temperatures. You can find more on this topic on the page about Lighting for climate chambers.

What is the difference between lighting for cold and warm environments?

The main difference lies in the thermal management of the luminaire. Lighting for cold environments is optimized for reliable startup and stable operation at low temperatures, while lighting for warm environments prioritizes heat dissipation and protection against overheating.

Lighting for cold environments

In cold climates, the electronic driver of a luminaire must be able to withstand thermal contraction and condensation. Materials that become brittle at low temperatures are unsuitable. Luminaires for cold environments use special seals, frost-resistant cable glands, and drivers that have been tested for reliable operation down to -45 °C.

Lighting for hot environments

In hot or industrial environments, such as terminals near steel mills or in tropical climates, heat dissipation is the biggest challenge. Luminaires must be equipped with effective cooling fins or passive heat sinks. When exposed to infrared radiation or direct heat sources, special high-temperature luminaires are required, such as the Orca HT and Barracuda HT floodlights, which are rated for temperatures up to +120 °C. Read more about the requirements on the page High-temperature lighting.

What IP and IK classes are required for outdoor terminal lighting?

A minimum of IP65 is required for protection against dust and water jets. In environments with direct exposure to waves, high-pressure washers, or submersion, IP66 or IP67 is recommended. For impact resistance, a minimum of IK08 applies, and in the event of a risk of collision or heavy mechanical stress, IK10 is the norm.

The IP rating describes protection against solid particles and moisture, whereas the IK rating indicates resistance to mechanical impact. At a terminal where vehicles, cranes, and loading equipment operate near luminaires, a high IK rating is not an unnecessary luxury, but a practical necessity.

An overview of what these classifications mean precisely and how to interpret them can be found on the page about IP and IK ratings.

Besides IP and IK ratings, corrosion-resistant materials also play a role. Seaside terminals require luminaires made of stainless steel or with special coatings that can withstand salty air and chemical cleaning agents.

When is ATEX certification mandatory for terminal lighting?

ATEX certification is mandatory when terminal lighting is installed in zones where an explosive atmosphere may occur. This applies to terminals where flammable gases, vapors, or dust clouds may be present, such as at LNG terminals, fuel storage facilities, or chemical transfer points.

The ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU) divides hazardous areas into categories based on how often and how long an explosive atmosphere is present. Lighting used in these zones must be certified for the relevant zone and gas/liquid group. Failure to comply with this requirement is not only a safety risk, but also a legal violation.

Terminals that do not handle flammable substances generally fall outside the ATEX obligation. Still, when in doubt, it is advisable to have a risk assessment conducted, especially for terminals adjacent to offshore installations or the chemical industry, where the probability of ATEX zones is significantly higher.

How do you choose the right lighting mast and luminaire for a terminal?

The right choice depends on the site size, the desired lighting levels, the wind zone, the surface conditions, and the specific environmental risks. A structured approach prevents underdimensioning and unnecessary maintenance costs. Go through the following steps during the selection process:

Determine the lighting requirements: What lux levels are required for the different work zones? Aisles, loading bays, and storage areas each have different standards.
Analyze the environmental risks: Salt, corrosion, heat, cold, explosion hazard or extreme wind load determine which IP, IK and ATEX requirements apply.
Select the mast configuration: The height and placement of light poles affect the light distribution and the number of luminaires required. Taller poles illuminate larger areas but require more powerful floodlights.
Select luminaires by temperature range: Ensure the selected luminaires are certified for the minimum and maximum temperatures occurring at the location.
Consider maintainability: Choose luminaires with a long lifespan and consider masts with a lowering mechanism for easier maintenance at height.

A customized lighting design, including a photometric calculation, provides insight into the exact placement and number of luminaires required to comply with standards. For outdoor lighting at terminals, the EN12464-2 is used as the guiding standard for the lighting requirements per work zone.

Practical example: BUSS Terminal Eemshaven

BUSS Terminal Eemshaven is used for offshore wind logistics and heavy port operations, on an open site exposed to wind loads, coastal conditions and the environmental sensitivity of the nearby Wadden Sea area. JEL delivered the complete scope: lighting design, light pollution assessment, geotechnical survey, mast foundations, civil works, power infrastructure, lighting masts, luminaires and installation. The 50-metre lighting masts stand on foundations with 12-metre-deep foundation piles and are fitted with 600 W DarkLicht luminaires. The design had to bring sufficient light to the work area while limiting stray light, glare and upward light.

For terminals in a harsh climate, the choice therefore goes beyond the luminaire alone. Wind and soil determine how tall a mast can be and what the foundation has to carry, and the mast height in turn determines which optics are needed to keep the light on the site. A luminaire that can withstand cold, heat or salty air only performs well on a mast designed for the same conditions.

When specifying terminal lighting for a demanding location, mast position, mounting height, foundation, cable routes and maintenance access should therefore be assessed together with the luminaire. That way the result matches the actual site conditions rather than a datasheet.

How JEL Products Helps with Terminal Lighting in Extreme Climates

JEL Products provides complete lighting solutions for terminals operating in the harshest conditions,from Arctic cold to tropical heat and corrosive marine environments. As a specialist in industrial and maritime lighting, JEL Products offers not only the luminaires but also the entire process, from consultation to commissioning.

What JEL Products specifically offers for terminals:

Luminaires suitable for use from -45 °C, and with the HT line up to +120 °C
Stainless steel lighting solutions for corrosive environments, and lighting for the areas outside ATEX zones, with referral to a certified Ex manufacturer for the zones themselves
Complete engineering and custom lighting design of the terminal
Supply and installation of light masts, foundations and cabling
ISO 9001 and VCA** certified working method for safe execution
Maintenance and commissioning as part of the total process

Whether it concerns a new terminal, a renovation of existing lighting, or a specific failure issue in extreme conditions: please feel free to contact us via the JEL Products Contact Page for a no-obligation consultation.

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Which lighting is suitable for terminals in cold or hot climates?