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

Ra's Ghārib Lighthouse

F Green🇪🇬Gharib Cape, EGOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ra's Ghārib Lighthouse

Constructed in 1871 as part of the Suez Canal project, Ra's Ghārib lighthouse stands on a headland on the west side of the Gulf of Suez. This cast iron structure features a tripod base supporting a central cylinder, topped with a lantern and gallery. The tower itself is painted black and reaches a height of 50 meters. Its light, a green signal, was first exhibited in 1871. Although it ceased operation in 1987 and was abandoned for two decades, some restoration work has occurred.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is architecturally significant due to its rare cast iron tripod design and its historical role in facilitating navigation for the Suez Canal and the local petroleum industry.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F Green
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
Green
Raw Code
F G
Light Range
5NM (9.3 km)

Construction & History

Year Built
1871

Significant events: Inactive since 1987, abandoned for two decades, some restoration work done

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Ras Gharib(0.3 km)

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
50m
Tower Shape
tripod with central cylinder
Tower Color
black
Material
cast iron

Structure: cast iron tripod tower with central cylinder, lantern, and gallery

Location

City
Gharib Cape
Country
🇪🇬Egypt
Region
Red Sea
Sea Region
headland at Ra's Ghārib, on the west side of the Gulf of Suez about 160 km south of Suez city, part of the Suez Canal project
Latitude
28.3517°
Longitude
33.1097°

Nearby Vessels

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

Find Ra's Ghārib Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Egypt, 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 Ra's Ghārib Lighthouse at night?+
Ra's Ghārib displays the characteristic F Green. 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 Ra's Ghārib Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ra's Ghārib Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Ras Gharib at 0.3 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Ras Shukheir (15.9 NM SE), Wadi Feiran (24.3 NM NNE), El Tor (27.7 NM ESE), EL TOR (27.8 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ra's Ghārib Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ra's Ghārib 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 Ra's Ghārib Lighthouse?+
Ra's Ghārib Lighthouse is located within the Suez Canal approach — the critical route linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Ra's Ghārib Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ra's Ghārib 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.