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Airship Hangar | Essen-Mülheim Airport | SEW-EURODRIVE

June 15, 2025

Engineering Meets Architecture: The New Airship Hangar at Essen-Mülheim Airport

Measuring 92 by 42 meters and standing 26 meters tall, the new airship hangar for Westdeutsche Luftwerbung (WDL) is an architectural and technical landmark – built almost entirely from wood. Designed from the outset as both a functional airship base and a versatile event venue, the structure features a striking centerpiece: its massive gates.

Each of the two 72-ton gate wings of the airship hangar is powered by precise drive technology from SEW-EURODRIVE, implemented by automation experts INperfektion. Using powerful planetary gearmotors from SEW’s P2 series and coordinated control systems, the gates can be safely and efficiently operated – even in strong winds or snow.

Built using predominantly renewable and recyclable materials, the hangar has received both the Gold certification from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) and the North Rhine-Westphalia Architecture Award.

Whether housing two airships or welcoming 1,500 guests, this structure is a unique blend of engineering excellence, sustainability, and architectural design.

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