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

Morsalines Lighthouse

Oc (4) White/Red/Green 12s🇫🇷Quettehou, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Morsalines Lighthouse

Also known as: Morsalines (La Hougue Feu Postérieur)

This octagonal concrete tower, standing 13 meters tall, was first lit in 1955. It guides ships entering the protected old harbor of St.-Vaast-la-Hougue on the east side of the Cotentin peninsula. The lighthouse is situated atop a high hill south of Morsalines, near Quettehou. Its light characteristic is four white, red, or green occultations every 12 seconds, with a geographic range of 23.8 nautical miles. The current structure replaced an 18-meter tower built in 1938, which was destroyed during fighting shortly after D-Day. A temporary light operated until the present tower was constructed.

Why it matters: The Morsalines Lighthouse is indispensable for maritime traffic navigating the eastern Cotentin peninsula, specifically guiding ships through the approaches to the historic St.-Vaast-la-Hougue harbor. Its unique octagonal concrete design marks a significant post-war reconstruction effort following its predecessor's destruction during D-Day.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc (4) White/Red/Green 12s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Flash Count
4 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Oc(4) WGR 12s
Focal Height
90m
Geographic Range
23.8NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1955

Significant events: original lighthouse replaced by an 18 m (58 ft) tower in 1938, that lighthouse destroyed in the fighting shortly after D-Day, a temporary light served until the present tower was built

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Barfleur(6.5 km)
ARLHS No.
FRA-365

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white, lantern dark green
Material
concrete

Structure: octagonal concrete tower with an off-center lantern and gallery

Location

City
Quettehou
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Normandy
Sea Region
guides ships entering the protected old harbor of St.-Vaast-la-Hougue, on the east side of the Cotentin peninsula, located atop a high hill south of Morsalines
Latitude
49.5695°
Longitude
-1.3178°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Morsalines Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near France, 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 Morsalines Lighthouse at night?+
Morsalines displays the characteristic Oc (4) White/Red/Green 12s — 4 white/red/green flashes every 12 seconds. 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/red/green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Morsalines Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Morsalines Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is ST VAAST LA HOUGUE at 2.4 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include BARFLEUR (6.5 NM NNE), Gatteville-le-Phare (7 NM N), Fermanville (8.6 NM NW), Tourlaville (10.4 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Morsalines Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Morsalines 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 Morsalines Lighthouse?+
Morsalines Lighthouse is located within the English Channel / North Sea corridor — one of the world's busiest maritime corridors connecting the Atlantic to Northern European ports. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Morsalines Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Morsalines 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.