Caterpillar engine exceeds the 100,000 operating hours limit

Dredging and contracting company Van der Kamp is a family-owned business from Zwolle that performs maintenance dredging work, including on Dutch and German waterways and ports, such as those in Rotterdam and Hamburg. Van der Kamp has been a customer of Pon Power since 2000. In 2005, we installed two Caterpillar generators, two 3512B propulsion units, a 3412E bow thruster, and two 3516 pump motors on the dredger De Hein. Seventeen years later, in 2022, something remarkable happened: the 3406 engine of the ship's generator surpassed the magical 100,000 operating hours mark.

About dredger De Hein

“The dredger De Hein has been sailing since 1979,” says Benny Krale, Walmachinist at Van der Kamp. “In 2005, the engine installation had to be replaced, and the company chose Caterpillar engines, a brand that both the crew and I are very enthusiastic about. Pon Power installed everything and provides excellent (preventive) maintenance. From servicing and overhauls to resolving breakdowns. Together with our crew, Pon Power ensures that we can almost sail continuously.”

“We had to wait a little because the ship is rarely stationary, but on January 10th, we seized our chance to board with a nice big cake.”

A memorable moment: more than 100,000 operating hours.

“In 2022, the 3406 Cat engine surpassed 100,000 operating hours,” continues Benny Krale. “A memorable moment that we didn’t want to let pass unnoticed. The crew also took a moment to acknowledge it, literally, with homemade Caterpillar flags by the engine.”

“And now I had a good reason to treat Benny and the crew of De Hein to cake,” laughs Klaas Krook, Account Manager at Pon Power. “We had to wait a bit because the ship is rarely stationary, but on January 10th, we seized our chance to bring a nice big cake on board.”

“In the course of the years, a strong bond of trust has been established. Michel, together with his team, is always ready to perform (preventive) maintenance. And if there is a malfunction, he ensures that someone is quickly sent on board to resolve it.”

Special relationship, based on dedication, trust, and mutual understanding

Service coordinator Michel de Bruin from Pon Power: “We have a dedicated team of service technicians that works worldwide for all our dredging clients. You get to know each other well, and that creates a bond. For us, it was also a bit of a celebration.”

“We always enjoy going to De Hein, which is not only due to the great food on board,” continues Michel with a wink. “Our relationship with Benny and the crew is exceptionally good and based on dedication and trust. There is a lot of mutual understanding, regardless of the situation. We always want to help as quickly as possible, but sometimes you can’t control everything in all circumstances.”

“And we are always happy to see Pon Power come,” says Benny. “Over the years, a strong bond of trust has been built, especially with Michel de Bruin. Together with his team, he is always ready to carry out (preventive) maintenance. And if there is a malfunction, he ensures that someone is quickly sent on board to resolve it. I look forward to the future of our collaboration with confidence.”

“Here’s to the next 100,000!” conclude Benny, Michel, and Klaas. “And that milestone is already very close, as the two 3512 propulsion engines have already clocked over 92,000 operating hours.”