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Marseille Nord Lighthouse

Fl Green 5s🇫🇷FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Marseille Nord Lighthouse

Also known as: Marseille Nord (Digue Extérieure)

This concrete tripod structure, standing 12 meters tall, marks the northwest end of Marseille's outer breakwater, indicating the northern harbor entrance. It features a white tripod supporting a green lantern and gallery atop a one-story building. The lighthouse emits a single green flash every 5 seconds, visible for nearly 12 nautical miles. Originally operational, it was removed for construction before being reinstalled in March 2018. The lighthouse is situated on the breakwater, with the nearest port being Niolon, 2.6 kilometers away.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is essential for guiding vessels around the outer breakwater and into the northern entrance of Marseille's busy harbor, preventing collisions with the breakwater.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Green 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Green
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl G 5s
Focal Height
15m
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Construction & History

Significant events: removed for construction, reinstalled March 2018

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Niolon(2.6 km)
Admiralty No.
E0634
NGA No.
6572

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
tripod
Tower Color
white tripod with green lantern and gallery
Material
concrete

Structure: lantern and gallery on a tripod mounted atop a 1-story concrete building

Location

Country
🇫🇷France
Sea Region
northwest end of the outer breakwater of Marseille, marking the north entrance to the harbor
Latitude
43.3478°
Longitude
5.3176°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Marseille Nord Lighthouse at night?+
Marseille Nord displays the characteristic Fl Green 5s. 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 green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Marseille Nord Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Marseille Nord Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is NIOLON at 2.6 NM to the W. Other ports served include Marseille (3 NM SE), AVENUE HENRI FABRE (7.6 NM NW), Sausset-les-Pins (8.8 NM W), CAPTAINERIE (9.2 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Marseille Nord Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Marseille Nord 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.
What shipping routes pass near Marseille Nord Lighthouse?+
Marseille Nord Lighthouse is located within the Mediterranean East-West corridor — a major trade route spanning the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to the Suez Canal. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Marseille Nord Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Marseille Nord 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.