Established in 1994 within the marine research industry, Hydrosphere is now a leading supplier of marine aids to navigation, working with lighthouse authorities, ports, harbours, and other marine-related organisations primarily in the UK and Ireland, to introduce modern, efficient, reliable and cost-effective marine aids to navigation.
With over 10,000 aids installed to date, we offer experienced, friendly advice on the best navigation aid solutions, utilising an extensive range of high-quality, energy-efficient LED lights, and strong, durable, low-maintenance polyethylene mooring and navigation buoys.
To extend these products into hazardous areas we are now able to offer the Sabik range of ATEX-certified LED navigation lights, fog signals and control systems. In addition to supplying lights and buoys, we offer design, installation and maintenance services to support our products.
Marine navigation LED lights
The LED 155 Ex offshore lantern is an LED lantern commonly used on offshore platforms as a secondary lantern. The lantern is maintenance-free, compact and robust in design. LED 155 Ex is modular and can be delivered with up to three tiers.
For longer ranges, the LED 350 Ex high-intensity light for offshore installations is a high-performance omni-directional LED beacon. The lantern is maintenance-free, compact and robust in design. The lantern can be supplied with up to three tiers. The one-tier LED 350 Ex has a range of 10nm.
Fog signals for marine applications
The SFS 1 fog signal is a 0.5nm audio signal. The fog signal is a newly developed compact and lightweight unit designed for marine applications. It is equipped with one compressor driver and an integrated power amplifier.
For longer ranges the SFS 6 fog signal is a newly developed compact and lightweight unit designed for marine applications, with a 2nm audio signal. The fog signal is equipped with six compressor drivers and an integrated power amplifier.
The SFD 7100 Ex fog detector is designed for offshore marine applications. It operates on the principle that the LED transmitter projects light towards the receiver. The amount of light received is calculated to a resulting signal strength. This converted to a visible range.
Solar systems for hazardous areas
Where solar power is required the STSM 85 Ex solar module 85W is a solar module designed for hazardous areas. The solar cells are embedded in UV-stabilised ethyl vinyl acetate and encapsulated between two highly transparent sheets of tempered glass. This guarantees good protection in harsh marine conditions, including hurricanes, snow and ice.
Radar transponders and automatic identification systems
We offer systems manufactured by Kannad such as the HEKLEO-SX Racon, which is compliant with the IMO / IALA regulations and operates on both the S and X bands. The Kanaton AIS transponder is a type 1 automatic identification system (AIS) for aid to navigation.
Mooring buoys and subsurface floats
We supply a range of Mobilis mooring buoys and subsurface floats with 0.4m to 4m diameters and up to 17t buoyancy in standard form. Greater buoyancy can be achieved by utilising multiple float sections. The buoy illustrated is the 4m-diameter AMR17000 with a 300t SWL structure and dual quick-release hooks. Alternative mooring connections are available. Where a specific requirement exists custom solutions are available.
Navigation buoys
Broadly utilising the same floats as the mooring buoys, navigation buoys can be supplied in all configurations for use in the most exposed locations. Full positional and electronic monitoring can be provided using GSM or satellite transmission. The buoy illustrated is the Mobilis JET9000HV, which has a diameter of 3m and 9t of buoyancy. It was being deployed in the southern North Sea by Trinity House.