New Sealock Terneuzen – Coordinating a Complex International Protective Coating Specification

Project Overview

The New Sealock at Terneuzen, located on the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal between Belgium and the Netherlands, is a major infrastructure project involving substantial steel lock gates and bridge structures.

The project was delivered through a complex international supply and fabrication chain, with components constructed in a Chinese yard while the project was managed from the Benelux.

PPG was involved in developing and supplying the protective coating systems required for the project.Dutch, Belgian Kings opening Terneuzen sea lock today; One of the largest in the world | NL Times

Technical Requirements

The coating specification had to address two primary requirements.

First, the system needed to provide durable protection against the severe marine exposure associated with the lock complex.

Second, the project placed particularly demanding requirements on colour stability and gloss retention throughout the project and service life.

The coating specification therefore needed to balance corrosion protection, mechanical resistance and long-term aesthetic performance.

Specified Systems

PPG supplied different systems according to the exposure zone and component.

The bridge structures incorporated:

SIGMAZINC 109 HS
SIGMACOVER 410
SIGMADUR 550

The lock gates incorporated two layers of SIGMASHIELD 880, with SIGMADUR 550 specified for atmospheric areas.

SIGMASHIELD 880 was selected for its resistance to abrasion, impact, corrosion and seawater, making it suitable for the demanding splash and marine exposure associated with the lock environment.

International Project Delivery

The project also demonstrates the importance of technical coordination on complex coating programmes.

With fabrication taking place in China and management occurring from the Benelux, maintaining consistent coating requirements, product standards and technical communication was critical.

PPG's cross-border technical support helped coordinate the different project requirements and maintain consistency throughout the programme.

Project Outcome

The completed coating systems provide the New Sealock with protection against its demanding saltwater operating environment while maintaining the required visual performance.

For major marine infrastructure, this project demonstrates why coating specifications need to account for exposure zone, corrosion category, mechanical demands, colour stability, application logistics and lifecycle performance.

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