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Mama Sul Lighthouse

Oc White 6s🇵🇹Oeiras, PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About Mama Sul Lighthouse

Also known as: Mama Sul (Barra do Sul Range Rear)

Built in 1995, Mama Sul lighthouse stands as a 15-meter white tripod monument on the Serra de Carnaxide. Its focal height reaches 154 meters, providing a geographic range of 30 nautical miles. The light emits a white occulting flash every 6 seconds. A directional light was added in 1995, marking the Barra do Sul channel for vessels entering Lisbon. Around 2010, the tower was restored, receiving a daymark and a spiral stairway, with the light subsequently moved to the top of the structure. The site is accessible to the public, although the tower remains closed.

Why it matters: Mama Sul is essential for guiding ships through the Barra do Sul channel into Lisbon. Its distinctive tripod structure, enhanced by a recent restoration, makes it a recognizable landmark.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White 6s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Oc W 6s
Focal Height
154m
Light Range
21NM (38.9 km)
Geographic Range
30NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1995

Significant events: Directional light added in 1995, tower restored around 2010 with the addition of a daymark and spiral stairway, and the light moved to the top of the tower

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
tripod
Tower Color
with red and white horizontal bands

Structure: white tripod monument

Location

City
Oeiras
Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Region
Lisbon
Sea Region
Marks the Barra do Sul channel for ships arriving in Lisbon, located in the Carnaxide neighborhood, about 4 km west-northwest of Belém
Latitude
38.7275°
Longitude
-9.2269°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Alges(2.1 km)
ARLHS No.
POR-025
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Mama Sul Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 154 meters and a nominal range of 21 nautical miles (approximately 38.9 km), Mama Sul is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Mama Sul Lighthouse at night?+
Mama Sul displays the characteristic Oc White 6s. 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Mama Sul Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Mama Sul Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is ALGES at 2 NM to the S. Other ports served include Trafaria (3.1 NM S), Caparica (3.1 NM SSE), Banatica (3.4 NM SSE), TORRAO (3.6 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Mama Sul Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Mama Sul 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 Mama Sul Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Mama Sul 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.