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Shining on Deck - how better lighting is improving everyday life on board Hermes

On board a fishing vessel, lighting plays a critical role in how work gets done and how people feel throughout the day. It affects safety, efficiency, and the overall experience of life at sea – especially during long periods of darkness and in demanding conditions.

Better lighting delivers:

  • Increased safety in daily operations
  • Improved visibility and efficiency
  • Greater comfort and wellbeing over time
  • Lower energy consumption and maintenance

In other words, it’s an investment that supports both people and performance.

Out at sea, the working day doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. On the fishing vessel Hermes, operations continue through long, dark winter periods and in challenging conditions where visibility, safety, and focus are critical.

That’s why the vessel was upgraded with a new LED lighting solution. Not as a technical exercise, but as a way to improve how the crew works and lives on board.


For Captain Åsmund Breivik, lighting is about more than just seeing clearly. It’s about trust. Having consistent, reliable light in every situation makes it easier for the crew to stay focused and confident, regardless of season or weather.

That difference becomes even more apparent out on deck. First Officer Iver Breivik describes how the upgraded lighting provides a much clearer overview of daily operations. In rough weather and low-light conditions, being able to see every detail isn’t a luxury – it’s essential for working safely and efficiently.

But the impact of better lighting doesn’t stop there

Inside the vessel’s factory areas, where temperatures are low and the environment is demanding, visibility plays a crucial role in maintaining both safety and productivity. Factory Manager Jan Rune Holmseth explains how the new lighting makes it easier to navigate the space and carry out tasks with precision. The result is a smoother workflow and a more positive working environment for the entire team.

For fisherman Aron Kjærbech, the change is also something you can feel. The bright, crisp light improves visibility, but it also helps maintain energy levels and focus throughout long shifts. He describes it as almost like working in daylight – making demanding tasks feel more manageable.

Even in the galley, lighting plays an important role. Steward Hans Ole Tørhaug points out how consistent and well-balanced light makes it easier to work with accuracy, whether preparing meals or handling daily routines on board. It’s a small change on paper, but one that contributes to a better rhythm and flow on board.

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Behind the scenes, the benefits are just as tangible. Chief Engineer Thomas Rogne highlights the significant reduction in energy consumption. The new LED system uses only a fraction of the energy compared to traditional lighting, while also reducing maintenance needs. Over time, this supports a more efficient and sustainable operation.

Taken together, these improvements show that lighting is not just about illumination. It’s about enabling people to perform at their best, creating safer working conditions, and improving everyday life on board. 

On Hermes, the upgrade has done exactly that – bringing together safety, efficiency, and comfort in a way that makes a real difference, every single day at sea.