The Port of Tarragona is one of the main logistics hubs in the Mediterranean and a strategic infrastructure for international maritime trade. With an area of 5,650,934 m², it regularly connects with more than 60 ports worldwide and handles nearly 33 million tonnes of goods each year. Its specialisation in the agri-food and energy sectors places it among the leading ports in the Spanish port system.
LEADING SUSTAINABILITY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
In recent years, the Port of Tarragona has placed sustainability at the core of its development strategy. Through its Sustainability Plan – Agenda 2030, it promotes decarbonisation, energy efficiency and environmental protection through 26 objectives and more than 114 specific actions. It also continuously monitors air, water and soil quality, and optimises electricity consumption through intelligent lighting control, establishing itself as a pioneering infrastructure in Spain in terms of energy efficiency and waste reduction.
As part of this roadmap, in 2022 it launched an ambitious outdoor lighting renovation project with a three-year implementation period. The aim was to replace outdated high-pressure sodium luminaires with state-of-the-art LED technology, reducing energy consumption and associated emissions.
After evaluating different alternatives, Carandini’s proposal was selected for its ability to meet the technical demands of a port environment, where reliability, efficiency and equipment durability are critical factors.
A LIGHTING SOLUTION TAILORED TO EACH SPACE
The project included the installation of different lighting solutions depending on the specific needs of each port area.
On the quays, 980 HMAO floodlights were installed on 30-metre-high columns. With an efficiency of 144 lm/W and a luminous flux of 70,000 lumens, these luminaires feature anti-corrosion protection and IP66 and IK08 ratings. Their prismatic glass optics provide excellent light uniformity, reduce glare and eliminate light pollution thanks to a 0% ULOR.
The seafront promenade was illuminated with 100 classic Clamod luminaires, specially designed for marine environments, while 200 Mikos floodlights were installed on façades. For port roads, Veka and V-MAX street luminaires were selected, complemented by TPL, Spin, Century, Tango and HFL models distributed across different areas of the site.
The entire installation was configured with a warm colour temperature of 3000K, enhancing visual comfort and reducing environmental impact.
CORROSION: THE MAIN CHALLENGE
Lighting a port is no minor challenge. Port environments present particularly aggressive conditions due to their proximity to the sea. The combination of saline atmosphere, constant humidity and wind accelerates material degradation and can significantly reduce the lifespan of installed equipment. For this reason, robust LED luminaires with anti-corrosion protection and high mechanical resistance were selected for the Port of Tarragona project. These ensure long-term performance and minimise maintenance needs, a particularly important factor for high-mast installations where any intervention entails significant costs.
A SAFER AND MORE EFFICIENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The new lighting provides high uniformity (above 0.6) and a CRI70, improving colour perception and visibility for both workers and vehicle operators. This has created a safer and more comfortable working environment while optimising operational costs.
Measurements carried out after installation confirmed that lighting levels exceeded expectations, while optics were specifically adapted to each port area—loading, manoeuvring and transit—ensuring efficiency and visual comfort throughout.
SMART CONTROL FOR GREATER EFFICIENCY
All installed products are ready to be integrated into the port’s control system, enabling real-time management of operation, lighting levels and energy consumption for each luminaire. Thanks to a customised remote management system based on sectors, shifts and schedules, the technical team can control lighting point by point, adapting it to quay activity and ensuring light is used only where and when needed.
65% ENERGY SAVINGS AND ROI UNDER 4 YEARS
The upgrade to Carandini LED technology has reduced electricity consumption by 65% and achieved a return on investment in less than four years. In addition, the new installation has prevented the emission of approximately 915 tonnes of CO₂ per year, contributing to the Port of Tarragona’s sustainability goals.
This is further supported by the robustness of the luminaires and the long lifespan of LED technology, which significantly reduce maintenance interventions—particularly important for high-mast installations where operational costs are high.
Overall, the project demonstrates how well-designed infrastructure lighting can improve operational efficiency, optimise maintenance costs and contribute to a more sustainable port environment.
HMAO
HMAO is a solution designed for high-mast applications, delivering high performance, long service life, and exceptional visibility and uniformity. With an efficiency of 144 lm/W and a luminous flux of 70,000 lumens, it features IP66 and IK08 protection ratings.
CLAMOD
Classic aesthetic luminaire with a wide range of colour temperatures and optical distributions that minimise light pollution and generate harmonious spaces of well-being for people and the environment. Dark Sky certified.
MIKOS
The Mikos floodlight features a design with elegant, clean lines. It adapts perfectly to spaces in any type of city, creating pleasant areas for people.
VEKA
Luminaire designed to seamlessly integrate into street lighting applications. Thanks to its state-of-the-art LED technology and advanced optics, it enhances the feeling of safety on streets and roads at night. It is Dark Sky certified to help protect the night sky.
