Northern Lighthouse Board - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Northern Lighthouse Board’s new vessel, POLE STAR, currently under construction at GONDAN Shipbuilders, Castropol, Asturias, Spain, was launched on 14 January 2025. The vessel successfully left the slipway and entered the Ria del Eo before being towed to a berth at the shipyard. Safety service to mariners Phil Day, Director of Operations with the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB), said: "This is a momentous occasion for the shipyard and for NLB. To see the vessel successfully launch into the water is a major milestone and means we are well on our way to taking delivery of a new state-of-the-art hybrid powered ship to support our vital safety service to mariners." Alvaro Platero Díaz, President of GONDAN Shipbuilders, "As the shipyard honoured to build the NLV Pole Star — the fifth vessel of this name under the Northern Lighthouse Board’s command since 1892 — the launching ceremony is an exciting milestone. It marks the moment when the structural elements of a complex engineering project come together to finally become a ship." Latest technology to the environment The ship will now require around nine months of fitting-out work before it is ready for delivery Alvaro Platero Díaz added: "We deeply appreciate NLB’s commitment to excellence from day one, which has driven the yard to deliver a highly sophisticated and durable vessel that will enable NLB to fulfil its mission for many years to come." The ship will now require around nine months of fitting out work before it is ready for delivery. The new vessel, which replaces the current POLE STAR, will incorporate the latest technology to minimise the impact on the environment. Effects of Climate Change The ship will have enhanced capability to help deal with the effects of Climate Change and will contribute to the ambitious environmental targets set out in the UK Government Clean Maritime Plan. NLB representatives Phil Day, Director of Operations; Chris Somerville, Ship’s Master; Jonathan Stewart, 2nd Engineer; Adrian Abraham, ETO; and Donald Lawrie, Chief Engineer, were present at the event to celebrate this important milestone. Nelson Piçarra from Team Electric and Alvydas Pilibaitis from OSK Design, who form part of the NLB site team, were also at the launch.

The Northern Lighthouse Board welcomed Mike Kane MP to the organisation’s Orkney Base in Kirkwall and Hoy High Lighthouse on the Isle of Graemsay, on Wednesday 28 August 2024.  In addition to a briefing on NLB’s work to protect lives, property, and the environment through the provision of maritime aids to navigation, the Minister met NLB Technicians and visited Hoy High lighthouse. Sustainability Mike Kane MP said, “Lighthouses stand as beacons of safety throughout the UK, and today’s visit highlighted the Northern Lighthouse Board’s commitment to protecting thousands of seafarers along Scotland’s coastline since 1786." “From the use of solar energy to power its lighthouses to the new hybrid-powered ship that will provide safety services, NLB is ensuring sustainability is at the forefront of its operations, making the maritime sector fit for the future.” Climate Emergency Mike Bullock, NLB’s Chief Executive said, “It was a great pleasure to welcome the Minister to Orkney to show him the vital work we do to keep mariners and the environment safe around the coasts of Scotland and the Isle of Man." "It was also an opportunity for the Minister to meet some of the team and to find out about the work our people undertake in support of the mariner and to hear how we are addressing the Climate Emergency.” 

After more than ten years of work and four diplomatic conferences, the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) is proud to announce that, effective August 22, 2024, they will officially change the status from a non-governmental organisation (NGO) to an Intergovernmental Organisation (IGO). Based on a Convention ratified or acceded to by 34 States to date, the new status represents a significant victory for multilateralism and ocean governance, marking an important step toward enhancing worldwide safety of navigation, efficiency and protection of the marine environment. Developments within maritime sector IALA played a key role in providing standards, offers, and guidelines for the implementation in the maritime sector The transition to an Intergovernmental Organisation will place IALA in a much stronger position to develop and harmonise Marine Aids to Navigation, as governments will be directly involved in the work. All major decisions will be made by representatives of their governments, who hold credentials from their Head of State, Prime Minister or Minister of Foreign Affairs. For over six decades, IALA has played a pivotal role in providing standards, recommendations and guidelines for the implementation of significant developments within the maritime sector. The organisation’s focus on harmonisation has never been more crucial, especially to achieve an ambitious digital agenda for the maritime sector. Key benefits of the status change Enhanced International Cooperation: The new status will facilitate more robust and formalised cooperation with international maritime organisations, governments, and other stakeholders, fostering a unified approach to global maritime navigation safety. Strengthened Harmonised Framework: As an IGO, IALA will have increased authority to develop and implement standards, recommendations and guidelines ensuring that Marine Aids to Navigation including Vessel Traffic Services are consistent and effective across all member states. Improved Resource Allocation: The change will enable better resource allocation and funding opportunities, enhancing the development and maintenance of aids to navigation. Greater Global Influence: IALA’s new status will amplify its voice and influence in international maritime policy discussions, allowing it to advocate more effectively for the interests of maritime safety and environmental protection. New chapter in IALA’s history Francis Zachariae, Secretary-General of IALA: “The transition to an Intergovernmental Organisation marks a new chapter in IALA’s history. This change will enable us to work even more closely with our members and partners to ensure safe, harmonised and more efficient marine navigation worldwide." "I also want to emphasise that in times of conflict and war, the creation of an international organisation like IALA, which brings together people from around the world in a spirit of cooperation and compromise, underscores the importance of understanding and mutual respect.” New Intergovernmental Organisation Eric Banel, director-general for maritime affairs, fisheries and aquaculture (ministry for the sea), France: “France will now host a new Intergovernmental Organisation on its territory. The new IALA will be the third global maritime organisation (and the only one in France), alongside the International Maritime Organisation and the International Hydrographic Organisation." "It is undoubtedly a great source of pride for my country as the creation of this new maritime organisation represents a significant step for multilateralism and ocean governance.”