Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Fernão Veloso Lighthouse

Fl Red 3s🇲🇿Nacala, MZOperational

Location & Light Range

About Fernão Veloso Lighthouse

Also known as: Fernão Veloso (Ponta Narenque)

A 5-meter red skeletal tower, built in 1993, marks the eastern side of the entrance to the Bay of Nacala. The structure consists of a square tower enclosing a fuel tank, placed centrally on a 1-story white concrete equipment building. The light, which has a focal height of 8 meters, emits a red flash every 3 seconds and has a geographic range of 9.7 nautical miles. The station was first established in 1949, with the current tower being a later addition. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for maritime traffic entering the Bay of Nacala, guiding vessels along the eastern side of the channel. Its presence aids navigation into one of Mozambique's deepest natural harbors.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl R 3s
Focal Height
8m
Geographic Range
9.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1993
First Lit
1949

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
5m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: square skeletal tower enclosing a fuel tank, centered on a square 1-story white concrete equipment building

Location

City
Nacala
Country
🇲🇿Mozambique
Region
Nampula Province
Sea Region
This light marks the east side of the entrance to the Bay of Nacala. Located on the point at Fernão Veloso, north of Nacala.
Latitude
-14.4590°
Longitude
40.6752°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Nacala(2.8 km)
Admiralty No.
D6611.6
NGA No.
31628
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Fernão Veloso Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Mozambique, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Fernão Veloso Lighthouse at night?+
Fernão Veloso displays the characteristic Fl Red 3s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Fernão Veloso Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Fernão Veloso Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is Nacala at 5 NM to the S. Other ports served include Mocambique (34.7 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Fernão Veloso Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Fernão Veloso Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Fernão Veloso Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Fernão Veloso Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.