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Rio Douro South Mole Lighthouse

Fl Green 5s🇵🇹Vila Nova de Gaia, PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About Rio Douro South Mole Lighthouse

This cylindrical concrete tower stands 9 meters tall and was first lit in 2009. It is painted with green and white horizontal bands and displays a green flashing light every 5 seconds. The focal height of the light is 15 meters, offering a geographic range of 11.9 nautical miles. The structure was built as part of a larger project to rebuild the breakwater moles at the entrance to the Rio Douro, which concluded in 2008-09. This light is situated on a new transverse mole on the south side of the estuary entrance, near Vila Nova de Gaia.

Why it matters: This light delineates the southern side of the entrance channel to the Rio Douro estuary, guiding vessels navigating the confluence of the river and the Atlantic.

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

Year Built
2009

Significant events: breakwater moles at the entrance to the Rio Douro were rebuilt in 2008-09, and new lights were required

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Oporto(0.5 km)
Admiralty No.
D2045
NGA No.
3253

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with green and white horizontal bands
Material
concrete

Structure: triangular cylindrical concrete tower, painted with green and white horizontal bands

Location

City
Vila Nova de Gaia
Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Region
Porto
Sea Region
entrance to the Rio Douro, at a new transverse mole on the south side of the estuary entrance
Latitude
41.1445°
Longitude
-8.6755°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Rio Douro South Mole Lighthouse at night?+
Rio Douro South Mole 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 Rio Douro South Mole Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Rio Douro South Mole Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Porto at 1.5 NM to the E. Other ports served include São Pedro da Afurada (2 NM ESE), Leixões (2.5 NM NNW), Matosinhos (2.6 NM NNW), Senhora da Hora (2.6 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Rio Douro South Mole Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Rio Douro South Mole 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 Rio Douro South Mole Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Rio Douro South Mole 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.