Lauwersoog port gives off less light, measurements show

The port of Lauwersoog gives off less light than it did, according to Klaas Laansma, project leader of the Donkerte plan. He said measurements by researchers at the University of Groningen (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen) confirm this.

The effect showed during the 2024 Nacht van de Nacht, an annual campaign to switch off lights. Rijkswaterstaat and the shipping company Wagenborg were asked to turn off as much port lighting as possible for an hour. "When the clouds cleared, the Milky Way became visible above Lauwersoog," Laansma said.

Businesses at the port decided in 2023 to tackle the problem with a masterplan called Donkerte (darkness). It aims to cut light emissions by 50 percent within three years. Lighting was adjusted or made dimmable, and in other places motion sensors were installed so lamps are only on when someone is present.

The port is part of a wider effort. In October 2016, 43 parties signed a declaration of intent called Dark Sky Werelderfgoed Waddengebied, ten years ago this week. The signatories range from central government and Staatsbosbeheer to nature organisations.

The partnership works to reduce light pollution in the Wadden region and preserve darkness. Light pollution means excess artificial light: outdoor lighting, advertising, illuminated logos and office lights.