The West Wall on Heligoland protects the South Harbor and, with it, the lifeline of this rocky island in the German Bight. To ensure that the 563-meter-long protective structure can continue to withstand the enormous forces of the North Sea, it will undergo extensive repairs and technical modernization by 2028.

A key component of the project is the highly corrosion-resistant Top12 stainless steel reinforcement from Steeltec AG, which is processed and supplied by SÜLZLE Stahlpartner. Since September 2026, the SÜLZLE Stahlpartner branch in Bad Säckingen has been supplying approximately 2,500 metric tons of this special steel for the coastal protection structure. The steel used is grade 1.4003: stainless, with a chromium content of over 12 percent, and specially developed for components exposed to high chloride loads. Especially in the highly stressed splash zone and tidal zone, it offers significantly greater resistance than conventional reinforcing steel.

The new western wall not only ensures long-lasting coastal protection thanks to its exceptional corrosion resistance but also promotes sustainability and climate protection. The project utilizes modern, clinker-reduced concrete as well as reinforcing steel produced in a climate-friendly electric arc furnace. These two measures significantly reduce the massive hydraulic structure’s carbon footprint.

For SÜLZLE Stahlpartner, the project also offers a glimpse into the future: A second production site for stainless steel reinforcement in Seelze is
already planned.