Steelwind Nordenham steel fabricators recently turned to Sherwin-Williams when working on He Dreiht, Germany’s largest wind farm and a showcase for modern, sustainable infrastructure.
Offshore wind is playing a vital role in delivering clean, reliable power at scale. And with the foundations of these mammoth structures being exposed to some of the harshest environments imaginable, protecting them from corrosion is tantamount to protecting energy security.
Given positive experiences on previous projects in collaboration with EnBW, The EnBW offshore wind farm He Dreiht comprises 64 turbines with a total capacity of 960 MW, and is one of the first wind farms in Germany to be built without government subsidies.
Covering an area of about 90 kilometers near the island of Borkum in the North Sea, He Dreiht is one of Europe’s largest energy-transition projects. By spring 2026, it will be able to supply 1.1 million households with renewable energy. It plays an integral part in the country’s future energy plans, making its protection from the elements a crucial consideration.
“Offshore wind monopiles are exposed to aggressive environmental conditions every day,” said Matthias Winkler at Sherwin-Williams. “Rising from the seabed, these steel structures encounter saltwater immersion, strong currents, wave impacts, and fluctuating splash zones, all of which leaves them highly vulnerable to corrosion. The monopiles are the backbone of the entire wind farm. If they fail, the turbines fail.” Protecting monopiles from corrosion is not just a technical necessity. It is a matter of safety, sustainability, and energy reliability.
Corrosion protection coatings act as a barrier between the metal and its environment, preventing corrosive elements such as water, oxygen, and salts from reaching the surface. Sherwin-Williams’ Dura-Plate SW-501 Series is a 100 percent solvent-free and benzyl alcohol-free high-build epoxy coating that forms a dense, impermeable layer over the steel surface. With outstanding structural integrity, these coatings offer long-term protection for turbine investment while delivering safety and reliability well beyond their expected service life.
Due to their extensive experience working with Sherwin-Williams on a range of projects, Steelwind Nordenham and EnBW were well aware of the coating system that best met their needs. “For Steelwind Nordenham, reliability and quality are non-negotiable,” said Dr. Andreas Liessem of Steelwind Nordenham. “Our reputation depends on delivering foundations that will stand the test of time. By choosing the Sherwin-Williams Dura-Plate SW-501 coating system, we’re not only ensuring 25 to 30 years of corrosion resistance in one of the toughest marine environments, but also helping safeguard Germany’s energy security and the end user’s investment.” Application of the 100 percent solvent-free coating system took place at Steelwind Nordenham’s advanced fabrication facility in northern Germany, where the massive steel monopiles, each measuring up to 71 meters in length and weighing about 1,350 tons, were produced.
Close collaboration between all three partner companies ensured the system met all regulatory and client requirements. As part of the He Dreiht offshore wind project, Steelwind Nordenham again relied on the proven protective coating Dura-Plate SW-501 this time on a foundation of exceptional size.
Dura-Plate SW-501 exceeded expectations in two key areas: handling during application and superior surface finish after curing. This confirmed the coating as a reliable solution for demanding offshore structures and highlighted its role in a long-term corrosion protection strategy.
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