Steelpaint's marine coating in Wilhelmshaven
Steelpaint has completed the main coating work on the 'great sea lock' in Wilhelmshaven, protecting around 26,000 m² of steel. The 1,700 t gate, measuring 60 m by 20 m with a depth of 10 m, secures access to Germany’s only deep-water port for naval vessels, commercial ships and energy carriers as the company reported. The project began in 2018 and required a coating solution that could withstand winter conditions. After a two-component epoxy proved unsuitable, Muehlhan germany and Hermann Maschinenbau, working for WNA Hannover and WSA Weser-Jade-Nordsee, chose Steelpaint’s 'Stelpant' system.
This single-component polyurethane cures at temperatures as low as -5°C and humidity up to 98%. The system combined a zinc-rich primer and two polyurethane coats, aiming to deliver protection against saltwater, abrasion and stress. Steelpaint noted its growing presence in Wilhelmshaven, including projects at Jade-Weser-Port and Hooksiel sluice. (js)