Automated Lighthouses

The supply of oil and gas to lighthouses was the MT Oksøy’s most important task.

The first small automated lighthouse was set up in 1883 in the vicinity of Bergen. Oil burners were used until 1996, when the last of the oil-fired beacons was extinguished and all lights were electrified.

The first automated lighthouses were built of wood, but the commonest type over the years was octagonal and built of cast iron.

Some of these beacons had gas burners, and the gas cylinders had to be replaced once a year.In beacons with oil burners, 20 litre day tanks were common. These were refilled every fortnight

In the near vicinity of the automated lighthouses there would normally be an oil house with tanks holding approx. 500 litres of oil. This comprised a year’s supply for such a beacon. Later on, several automated lighthouses were equipped with tanks that could contain up to 500 litres.

Boholmen beacon from 1897 in sunset. It is made of cast iron as most Norwegian small automated lighthouses.

Almost 2.000 automated lighthouses have been set up along the coast of Norway. The introduction of these automated beacons in 1883 is one of the most important measures taken in Norway with a view to increasing safety and accessibility in the shipping lanes.