Steelpaint has coated 26,000m² of steel on Wilhelmshaven’s Great Sea Lock. The gate is 60m long, 20m high, and weighs 1,700 tons. It provides access for naval and commercial vessels to Germany’s deep-water port.
The project began in 2018. Winter conditions made the original epoxy system unusable. Steelpaint switched to its Stelpant polyurethane system, which cures at temperatures down to -5°C and high humidity. Work continued through winter, allowing the gate to be floated back for interim use.
The coating used a 75µm zinc-rich primer and two 225µm polyurethane layers. The system protects against saltwater, abrasion, and mechanical stress. The zinc primer adds cathodic protection, while the topcoat ensures flexibility and durability.
Fynn Baumfalk, Steelpaint Key Account Manager, said: “This was one of our toughest projects. Even with schedule delays, our coatings performed as expected.”
Steelpaint is also involved in sluice “Hooksiel” refurbishment. Full commissioning of the gate is expected in 2026.
The Wilhelmshaven Sea Lock faces salt corrosion, tidal forces, and abrasive silt. It regulates water levels, protects against floods, and secures port access. JadeWeserPort is Germany’s only deep-water container terminal. It handles ships up to 430m long and 16.5m in draught.
The success of Stelpant could lead to more dock gate renewals. Plans for three new gates and a second container terminal are under discussion.
