Protecting XXL monopiles for one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms: East Anglia 3
Offshore wind foundations are growing rapidly in size and complexity, with monopiles reaching unprecedented dimensions. These XXL structures must withstand extreme marine conditions while being protected efficiently at scale.
This trend is reflected in East Anglia 3, an offshore wind farm located 69 km off the Suffolk coast in the UK. Hempel contributed to the protection of 50 monopiles.
Ensuring long-term durability in such demanding environments requires tailored coating solutions and close collaboration to address the challenges of scale, application, and performance.
This trend is reflected in East Anglia 3, an offshore wind farm located 69 km off the Suffolk coast in the UK. Hempel contributed to the protection of 50 monopiles.
Ensuring long-term durability in such demanding environments requires tailored coating solutions and close collaboration to address the challenges of scale, application, and performance.
The main challenge has been the immense size of the structures.Alejandro Sanz Galiana, Surface Treatment Engineering Coordinator
Our long-standing collaboration with Hempel and the performance
of Hempaprime Strength 530 with its glass flake technology have
been key to the success of this project.
The challenge
Protecting offshore wind monopiles of this scale presents significant operational and technical
challenges throughout the fabrication process.
Their large dimensions create complexity in handling, surface preparation, and coating application, while the extensive coated surface area demands consistent quality across every structure. At the same time, these foundations must withstand highly aggressive offshore environments for decades, requiring exceptional coating performance and long-term durability. Meeting these requirements while maintaining production efficiency and demanding project timelines adds further pressure to the fabrication and application process.
challenges throughout the fabrication process.
Their large dimensions create complexity in handling, surface preparation, and coating application, while the extensive coated surface area demands consistent quality across every structure. At the same time, these foundations must withstand highly aggressive offshore environments for decades, requiring exceptional coating performance and long-term durability. Meeting these requirements while maintaining production efficiency and demanding project timelines adds further pressure to the fabrication and application process.
The solution
To support the protection of 50 monopiles for the East Anglia 3 project, Hempel delivered a coating solution tailored to the project’s technical and operational requirements.
The selected system, Hempaprime Strength 530, was chosen for its ability to provide high corrosion protection in aggressive offshore environments while enabling efficient application across large steel structures.
The selected system, Hempaprime Strength 530, was chosen for its ability to provide high corrosion protection in aggressive offshore environments while enabling efficient application across large steel structures.
Its glass flake reinforced epoxy technology delivers enhanced barrier protection and long-term durability in critical exposure areas, including the splash zone and submerged sections of the monopiles. Close collaboration between Hempel and Haizea Bilbao also helped ensure smooth implementation, consistent quality, and reliable execution across the full production scope.
At a glance
- Customer: HAIZEA BILBAO, wind tower manufacturer
- Project name: East Anglia 3
- Location: North Sea, UK
- Asset: 50 monopiles XXL
- Coating system: Hempaprime Strength 530
- Application date: 2024 - 2025
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