Smart lighting scales with port operations – without increasing energy consumption

Port of Rauma is one of the largest general cargo ports in Finland and a key logistics hub in the Baltic Sea region. With year-round operations and millions of tonnes of cargo handled annually, efficiency and reliability are critical. Under the responsibility of Technical Director Timo Metsäkallas, lighting plays a central role in daily operations across the port’s infrastructure – with around 80 lighting masts, each equipped with multiple high-power floodlights. 

When traditional lighting was no longer enough 

Around ten years ago, Port of Rauma was going through a period of transformation. Container areas were expanding and traffic volumes were increasing, yet the lighting infrastructure still relied largely on traditional technology: high-pressure sodium luminaires and photocell-based control. 

In practice, the lighting was either on or off. The lack of control options often led to overlighting and uneven lighting conditions. Light also spilled into areas where it was not wanted, resulting in complaints even from the opposite shore. 

“Lighting was largely controlled by photocells, and it simply couldn’t be adjusted according to actual needs,” Metsäkallas recalls. 

Light where it is needed – not everywhere, all the time 

The solution came through a gradual transition to LED technology and luminaire-level control with the C2 SmartLight system. The choice was a natural one, as the same system was already in use elsewhere in the city. 

The key change was moving from static lighting to dynamic control. Today, lighting levels can be adjusted precisely according to how different areas are being used. 

In a port environment, this is not as straightforward as it may sound. Traffic moves across the entire port area, and individual zones cannot simply be switched off. Instead, lighting is continuously optimized rather than shut down. 

“We can’t simply turn off an entire area. Instead, lighting is directed where activity is taking place, while other areas can be dimmed,” says Metsäkallas. 

Control extends all the way down to individual floodlights, enabling a much higher level of optimization than before. 

Lighting based on measurement, not guesswork 

The biggest change is visible in day-to-day operations. Lighting is no longer a fixed cost but an actively managed part of port operations. 

Lighting levels can now be adjusted precisely to the required level, such as 30 lux for operational yard areas – without overlighting. 

“We can now set lighting levels based on measurements rather than guesswork,” Metsäkallas explains. 

Energy consumption has remained practically unchanged even though the amount of illuminated areas has increased. At the same time, the service life of luminaires is extended because they do not need to operate continuously at full output. 

In practice, this flexibility enables: 

• reduced lighting levels during nights and weekends  

• dimming of specific areas without compromising safety  

• lighting that adapts to changing operational situations within the port  

Long-term collaboration enables continuous development 

Rauman Satama Oy and C2 SmartLight have been developing solutions together for nearly a decade. The collaboration has gone far beyond implementation, with the system continuously expanded into new use cases. 

“When a new need arises, a solution is usually found. That is probably the greatest strength of the cooperation,” Metsäkallas summarizes. 

C2 SmartLight is not just a lighting control system at Port of Rauma. The same system is also used in other critical operations. 

One example is the shore power system, which allows vessels to connect directly to the port’s electrical network while berthed. 

“Normally, ships use auxiliary engines while in port to generate the electricity they need. With shore power, they can be connected directly to the grid,” Metsäkallas explains. 

The control of the system has been implemented through C2 SmartLight – safely and remotely. 

“The primary objective was safety. In practice, the connection is made through the system, which allows shore power connections to be controlled in a safe and managed way,” Metsäkallas describes. 

The best solutions are created together with the customer 

C2 SmartLight Account Manager Esa Ääri highlights Port of Rauma as an example of what long-term collaboration can achieve at its best. 

“Rauman Satama Oy is an exceptional customer for us in the sense that they do not simply use solutions – they help develop them. Entirely new use cases for our system have been created here through collaboration,” says Ääri. 

The Port of Rauma case demonstrates that smart lighting is about far more than energy savings. It is a platform that adapts to the needs of the port and continues to evolve alongside its operations. 

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C2 SmartLight is Finland’s market leader in intelligent outdoor lighting control, trusted by the majority of municipalities, cities and seaports. 

As part of Hansab Group, C2 SmartLight combines proven lighting control expertise with a broader portfolio of smart infrastructure solutions across the Nordics and the Baltics.