Marine Insight: Anchor Light

Anchor Light Criticality in Vessel Operations

Anchor lights serve as a fundamental safety requirement for vessels at anchor, directly preventing maritime collisions during periods of reduced visibility. Under International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), vessels over 50 meters must display an all-round white light in the forepart, while smaller vessels require equivalent visibility compliance. Failure to maintain operational anchor lighting significantly increases collision risks, particularly in congested anchorages or adverse weather conditions where radar alone cannot convey a vessel’s stationary status. This equipment is not merely regulatory—it is a critical layer in the maritime safety management system, ensuring other vessels can identify anchored status from 2 nautical miles away to execute timely avoidance maneuvers. Non-compliance carries severe consequences, including liability for collisions, regulatory penalties, and insurance invalidation, underscoring why reliable anchor lighting is non-negotiable for vessel operators worldwide.

Regulatory frameworks like SOLAS Chapter V and IEC 60945 mandate stringent performance standards for marine lighting, including luminous intensity, color accuracy, and environmental resilience. Anchor lights must operate continuously in harsh conditions—salt spray, extreme temperatures, and vibration—without degradation. Substandard units often fail prematurely due to inadequate sealing or thermal management, creating hazardous blind spots. Hangzhou Star Marine Technology addresses these challenges through engineering rigor, producing anchor lights that exceed IEC 60945 and MED certification requirements. Our vertical integration—from PCB design to final assembly—ensures quality control at every stage, eliminating supply chain vulnerabilities common in outsourced manufacturing. This approach delivers exceptional reliability while optimizing production costs through economies of scale and China’s advanced maritime manufacturing ecosystem.

Sourcing anchor lights from Star Marine China provides demonstrable cost-effectiveness without compromising safety. Our Shenzhen-based facility leverages localized component sourcing, automated optical testing, and lean manufacturing to reduce unit costs by 15–25% compared to European or North American alternatives. Crucially, this efficiency does not sacrifice compliance; all units undergo 72-hour salt fog testing and photometric validation to guarantee 50,000+ hours of operational life. The table below illustrates our standard product differentiation:

Model Series	Luminous Intensity (cd)	IP Rating	Certifications	Typical Vessel Application
SM-AL100	250	IP67	IEC 60945, MED	Commercial fishing vessels
SM-AL250	600	IP68	IEC 60945, RINA	Coastal cargo ships
SM-AL500	1,200	IP69K	IEC 60945, DNV	Offshore support vessels

Star Marine’s export process further enhances value through consolidated logistics and pre-shipment compliance documentation tailored to destination regulations, reducing port clearance delays. By prioritizing engineering integrity over marginal cost reduction, we deliver anchor lights that ensure regulatory adherence while optimizing total ownership costs. For vessel operators, this translates to uninterrupted safety performance and minimized lifecycle expenses—a balance essential in today’s competitive maritime market. Choosing Star Marine means investing in equipment where cost efficiency and uncompromised safety are engineered in unison.

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Technical Specs & Approval

The anchor light is a critical component in marine safety equipment, ensuring vessel visibility during anchoring operations at night or in reduced visibility conditions. At Hangzhou Star Marine Technology Co., Ltd., our anchor lights are engineered to meet international maritime standards, providing reliable performance, durability, and compliance with COLREG (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea). Designed specifically for integration within anchoring systems, these lights serve both functional and regulatory purposes, enhancing vessel conspicuity to prevent collisions and ensure safe navigation.

Our anchor lights are constructed using marine-grade materials to withstand harsh saltwater environments, UV exposure, and mechanical stress. The housing is typically fabricated from corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy or high-impact polycarbonate, ensuring long-term structural integrity. Optical components utilize precision-engineered lenses to deliver a uniform 360-degree horizontal luminous intensity, meeting the required visibility range of at least 2 nautical miles under normal atmospheric conditions. The internal circuitry is sealed against moisture intrusion, and all electrical connections comply with IP67 or higher ingress protection ratings, ensuring reliable operation in wet and high-humidity environments.

A key technical consideration in the classification of anchor lights is their grade designation, which determines suitability for different vessel types and operational profiles. Our product line includes both U2 and U3 grade models. U2-grade lights are designed for general commercial and recreational vessels operating in moderate sea conditions, offering stable performance with routine maintenance. U3-grade units are built for enhanced durability and are intended for offshore or heavy-duty applications, including commercial shipping, offshore support vessels, and long-range yachts exposed to extreme environmental conditions. The selection between U2 and U3 grades depends on vessel size, operational zone, and regulatory requirements set forth by classification societies and flag states.

Weight is another critical parameter, particularly for vessels where topside load optimization is essential. Our anchor lights are designed for minimal weight without compromising structural strength, facilitating easy installation on masts or dedicated signal poles. Surface treatments include powder-coated finishes or anodized layers to enhance resistance to salt spray and abrasion, further extending service life. Holding power refers to the mechanical robustness of the mounting system, ensuring the unit remains securely affixed under vibration and dynamic loads.

Below are the detailed technical specifications for our standard anchor light models:

Parameter	Value / Description
Grade Classification	U2, U3
Material Housing	Marine-grade aluminum alloy / Polycarbonate
Optical Lens	Polycarbonate, prismatic 360° beam distribution
Light Source	High-intensity LED (white)
Luminous Intensity	≥ 2 cd (candelas)
Visibility Range	≥ 2 nautical miles
Power Supply	12–24 V DC
Power Consumption	≤ 5 W
Ingress Protection	IP67
Operating Temperature	-30°C to +70°C
Weight (approx.)	1.2 kg (U2), 1.5 kg (U3)
Mounting Type	Flange or bracket mount, stainless steel hardware
Corrosion Resistance	ASTM B117 salt spray tested (≥ 1000 hours)
Compliance Standards	COLREG Annex I, IEC 60534, IMO Resolution A.810(19)

All units undergo rigorous quality control and performance validation prior to shipment, ensuring compliance with global maritime safety regulations. Hangzhou Star Marine Technology Co., Ltd. supports full traceability and provides certification documentation upon request, including type approval from recognized classification bodies where applicable.

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Shipbuilding Solutions

Complete Anchor Light Solutions for Shipbuilding and Repair from Hangzhou Star Marine Technology

Hangzhou Star Marine Technology Co., Ltd. delivers engineered anchor light systems meeting the critical demands of global shipbuilders and repair yards. As a certified marine equipment manufacturer specializing in navigation and safety lighting, we provide fully compliant, integrated anchor light solutions that streamline new construction projects and minimize vessel downtime during repairs. Our focus is on eliminating procurement complexity and ensuring regulatory adherence from keel-laying to sea trial and beyond.

The anchor light, mandated under COLREGs Rule 30 for vessels at anchor, presents specific challenges during vessel construction and overhaul. Shipbuilders require lights guaranteeing precise photometric performance, robust seawater resistance, and seamless integration with vessel electrical systems, all while adhering to strict project timelines. Repair facilities face pressure to source exact replacements meeting original specifications or updated regulations rapidly, avoiding costly port delays. Delays often stem from incompatible voltage requirements, certification gaps, or extended lead times from fragmented suppliers.

Star Marine resolves these challenges through a single-source, engineering-led approach. We supply anchor lights rigorously tested to IEC 60945, IEC 60598-5, and relevant flag state standards, ensuring immediate regulatory acceptance. Our engineering team collaborates directly with shipyard project managers during new builds, providing CAD models, load calculations, and installation support to prevent interface issues. For repairs, our global logistics network and strategic warehouse partnerships enable expedited delivery of exact replacement units, often within 72 hours of order confirmation, backed by comprehensive technical documentation for classification society submission.

Key technical specifications for our standard anchor light series are detailed below, reflecting the precision and reliability demanded in maritime applications:

Model	Voltage Range	Nominal Visibility	Housing Material	IP Rating	Key Compliance Standards
STAR-AL100	10-32V DC	2 Nautical Miles	Marine Grade 316L SS	IP67	IEC 60945, IEC 60598-5, MSC.253(83)
STAR-AL200	90-264V AC/DC	3 Nautical Miles	Die-Cast Aluminum (Polyamide Coated)	IP68	IEC 60945, IEC 60598-5, EN ISO 11783

Beyond the product, Star Marine provides turnkey project support. This includes pre-shipment FAT documentation, dedicated export documentation management (including Certificates of Origin and Form F for key markets), and 24/7 technical assistance during installation or commissioning. Our export team, fluent in maritime technical requirements, ensures seamless customs clearance and adherence to destination country import regulations, significantly reducing administrative burden for our clients.

Choosing Hangzhou Star Marine Technology means selecting a partner committed to project velocity and absolute compliance. We understand that in shipbuilding and repair, time is the most critical resource. By delivering certified, ready-to-install anchor light systems with unparalleled speed and technical certainty, we directly contribute to on-schedule vessel delivery and minimized operational disruption during maintenance cycles. Contact our export division for immediate technical consultation or project-specific quotations.

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Packaging & Logistics

Packaging and logistics are critical components in the successful international shipment of marine equipment, particularly for sensitive navigational lighting systems such as anchor lights. At Hangzhou Star Marine Technology Co., Ltd., we ensure that all anchor light units are packaged to meet stringent international standards, safeguarding product integrity during transit across diverse climatic and handling conditions. Our packaging protocols are designed to comply with global regulatory requirements while optimizing for durability, moisture resistance, and ease of handling during multimodal transport.

All anchor light units are securely housed in ISPM 15 certified wooden cases. These cases are constructed from heat-treated solid wood, eliminating the risk of pest infestation and ensuring compliance with international phytosanitary regulations for cross-border shipments. The wooden enclosures provide robust mechanical protection against impact, vibration, and compression forces commonly encountered during ocean freight. Internal cushioning materials, including high-density foam inserts and moisture-resistant wrapping, are utilized to isolate the equipment from shock and environmental exposure. Each wooden case is marked with the official ISPM 15 stamp, along with handling indicators such as “Fragile,” “This Side Up,” and product identification labels for traceability.

For bulk orders or shipments requiring enhanced structural support, anchor lights are mounted on reinforced steel pallets. These pallets are engineered to withstand heavy stacking and forklift handling, making them ideal for containerized shipping. The steel construction resists deformation under load and offers superior durability compared to standard wooden pallets, particularly in high-humidity or long-duration shipments. Units secured on steel pallets are additionally wrapped in industrial-grade stretch film and covered with waterproof polyethylene sheeting to prevent corrosion and moisture ingress.

Our export operations are coordinated through two of China’s most strategic maritime gateways: the Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan and the Port of Shanghai. Both ports offer world-class container handling infrastructure, extensive global liner services, and efficient customs clearance procedures. This enables us to provide reliable lead times and flexible shipping options, including FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load), depending on order volume and customer requirements. All export documentation, including packing lists, commercial invoices, and certificates of origin, is prepared in accordance with international trade standards to ensure smooth customs processing.

The following table outlines key packaging and logistics specifications for anchor light exports:

Parameter	Specification
Packaging Type	ISPM 15 certified wooden cases; Steel pallets (for bulk shipments)
Internal Protection	High-density foam, moisture-resistant wrapping
External Markings	ISPM 15 stamp, Fragile label, Orientation arrows, Product ID
Pallet Material	Reinforced steel (optional)
Waterproofing	Polyethylene sheeting and stretch film
Export Ports	Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, Shanghai Port
Compliance Standards	ISPM 15, IMDG (as applicable), IATA (for air freight)
Shipment Modes	FCL, LCL, Air Freight (on request)

By integrating certified materials, robust design, and strategic port logistics, Hangzhou Star Marine Technology ensures that every anchor light arrives at its destination in optimal condition, ready for immediate deployment.

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Contact Star Marine

Contact Star Marine for Your Anchor Light Requirements

Selecting the correct anchor light is a non-negotiable element of vessel safety and regulatory compliance. As a critical component in the anchoring equipment suite, anchor lights must adhere to stringent international standards including SOLAS Chapter V, COLREGs Annex I, and IEC 60945. At Hangzhou Star Marine Technology, we engineer solutions that exceed these requirements through rigorous design validation and third-party certification. Our STARMARINE-AL Series anchor lights undergo comprehensive testing for photometric performance, environmental resilience, and electromagnetic compatibility to ensure uninterrupted operation in the harshest maritime conditions. Whether outfitting newbuilds, supporting retrofits, or supplying replacement units for global fleets, precise technical alignment with your vessel’s specifications is paramount. Generic solutions risk non-compliance, operational delays, and safety liabilities—factors no responsible operator can afford.

Our engineering team provides dedicated support from initial inquiry through final delivery. We verify critical parameters such as mounting height, visibility arcs, and power integration to guarantee seamless installation and certification acceptance. All products carry full MED Wheelmark certification where applicable and are manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 quality management systems. For complex projects involving multiple vessels or custom configurations, we develop tailored technical dossiers to streamline approval processes with classification societies. The table below outlines core specifications for our standard anchor light series to assist preliminary evaluation.

Parameter	Specification	Compliance Standard
Voltage Range	10-32 VDC	IEC 60092-101
Horizontal Visibility	360° (2 nautical miles minimum)	COLREGs Annex I, Rule 30
Housing Material	Marine-grade 316L stainless steel	ASTM A240/A240M
Ingress Protection	IP67	IEC 60529
Operating Temperature	-30°C to +55°C	IEC 60068-2
Certification	MED, RINA, DNV, LR, ABS, NK	SOLAS Chapter V

Partnering with Hangzhou Star Marine Technology means engaging directly with engineers who understand the operational realities of maritime safety systems. We do not merely supply products; we deliver certified assurance that your anchor lights will perform when needed most. Our global logistics network ensures timely delivery to major ports worldwide, supported by comprehensive documentation packages for customs clearance and vessel commissioning.

For technical validation, quotation requests, or regulatory clarification, contact Product Manager Kacher YE immediately. Kacher leads our anchoring equipment division with 12 years of specialized experience in marine lighting systems and direct collaboration with classification societies. Provide your vessel particulars, target delivery timeline, and any project-specific constraints to receive a fully engineered solution within 4 business hours. Do not risk procurement delays or compliance gaps with uncertified alternatives—our team guarantees precision alignment with your operational and regulatory framework.

Email Kacher YE at [email protected] with subject line “Anchor Light Inquiry – [Your Vessel/Project Name]”. Include relevant specifications such as vessel type, IMO number, required quantity, and applicable flag state regulations. Our export department will coordinate a technical consultation to finalize your requirements and initiate production scheduling. Trust Hangzhou Star Marine Technology to safeguard your vessel’s compliance and operational integrity through engineered excellence in marine lighting solutions.

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