A new name has recently appeared on the façade: Zeppelin Power Systems. Until early November, the company was better known as Pon Power BV, and before that as Geveke Motoren. For nearly 100 years, it has been a well-known player in the Dutch market. Daan de Jong, Manager Sales, Power Systems Marine: “The name has changed, but our expertise hasn’t. We remain the official importer of Caterpillar in the Netherlands: from the well-known machines you see along the roadside to the powerful engines and generator sets used all over the world.” 

Zeppelin Power Systems supplies Caterpillar engines and generator sets to OEMs and companies requiring reliable power solutions. To date, the collaboration with Xeamos has primarily taken place in the maritime sector. “We supply engines and generator sets for all types of vessels, built either in the Netherlands or abroad for Dutch clients. In many cases, the Caterpillar portfolio meets the requirements perfectly. But there are also projects with specific demands: limited engine room space or exceptionally strict emission standards. In those situations, we turn to Xeamos for tailored solutions.”

From dredger to yacht 

Within Zeppelin Power Systems NL, activities are divided into three segments: Damen Shipyards Group, land-based applications, and the maritime industry (outside Damen). “For the latter, together with three colleagues, I’m responsible for the sales of new engines. The Netherlands may be a small country, but there are at least fifteen shipyards building high-end yachts. In addition, we have a strong position in the dredging sector and inland shipping. The Caterpillar portfolio aligns well with the power ranges required in these markets.”

Caterpillar engines are known as true workhorses. “They are widely used, for example, in yachts designed to travel the world and cover long distances. Customers appreciate that Caterpillar is recognized worldwide: spare parts are available everywhere, service coverage is strong, and crews are familiar with the brand. And perhaps most importantly: if handled properly, they are almost indestructible.”

“Our range starts with small generator sets of around ten kilowatts. They are almost portable if you have a reasonably large car, you could load one into the back.” At the other end of the spectrum is the heavy-duty segment. “Our largest engines go up to eight thousand kilowatts. Those are absolute giants, so large that, in fact, hardly any vessels built in the Netherlands use engines of that size.” Most applications fall within the mid-range. “Up to around three thousand kilowatts, that’s what we supply most frequently here. Think of large tugboats; they require serious power.”

The allure of yacht building

Although he values the entire maritime sector, Daan has a particular affinity for yacht building. “It often stays one step ahead of commercial shipping. Of course, budgets always matter, but in yachting you more often see owners willing to invest in the very latest technology. That drives technical innovation. In the commercial sector, investment decisions are typically based on return on investment. That makes sense, but it can sometimes slow down innovation. In yacht building, there’s often more room to lead technologically.”

A logic match 

The collaboration between Zeppelin Power Systems and Xeamos began nearly nine years ago. “From 2016 onwards, certain vessels were required to have an aftertreatment system. After the diesel engine, an installation had to be fitted to clean exhaust gases and ensure emissions remained within legal limits.” The yacht segment was among the frontrunners. “Yachts were one of the first vessel types where real steps were taken. There was also a strong need for flexibility in terms of dimensions, connections, and functionality.”

In the early years, Zeppelin (then Pon Power) focused entirely on Caterpillar’s own portfolio. After some time, it became clear that the Caterpillar range was not always flexible enough for the highly specialized, often custom-built vessels typical of the Dutch market. That is when Xeamos came into the picture. “They offered precisely that flexibility and even went beyond legal requirements. For yachts, for example, it’s important that no smoke or soot settles on the deck or superstructure. Xeamos translated that requirement perfectly into their systems.”

Around 2020, this led to a partnership that has grown steadily ever since. “We’ve now been working intensively together for several years. Particularly in the yacht segment, there are clients who specifically request a Xeamos system alongside a Caterpillar engine. For us, that’s ideal, a true win-win situation.”

Partnership

“Our collaboration with Xeamos has been excellent for several years now. What I value is their responsiveness during the sales phase, it’s simply very good. But just as important is their expertise. The answers I receive to my technical questions are accurate. That builds trust.”

For Daan, this is crucial, as his own focus is primarily on engine sales. “I understand aftertreatment systems, of course, but it’s not my core business. That’s why it’s valuable to work with a partner who understands things quickly. Xeamos knows the customers, understands their requirements, and informs me accurately and on time about which products I should include in a quotation.”

What began in the yacht segment has since broadened. “We now have examples in other sectors and with other clients where we collaborate with Xeamos. The partnership is genuinely strong, you notice that in every aspect.”

A technical highlight

Is there a joint project Daan is particularly proud of? “Actually, several. But if I have to mention one, it would be the projects for the most renowned Dutch yacht builders. Over the past four to five years, they have consistently chosen Xeamos aftertreatment systems. I consider that a strong endorsement.”

“Together, we have realized a number of remarkable projects there. For example, we developed a variable-speed generator set. It’s a beautiful piece of equipment, and technically it represents a perfect integration between our engine and the Xeamos product. When I see what we’ve achieved together, and how it performs in operation, I can confidently say: it’s the finest generator set currently available on the market.”

The future of fuels (and Xeamos)

Daan closely follows developments in alternative fuels. “Two or three years ago, there was enormous interest in fuels such as methanol and hydrogen. Everyone was talking about CO₂ reduction and how the sector would achieve it together.”

By now, the outlook has become more pragmatic. “We’ve learned that much more is involved. These new fuels must not only be produced but also transported and bunkered, and on a global scale. The logistical infrastructure must be in place before large-scale adoption becomes feasible.”

Daan expects the transition will come, but gradually. “The path has been set, and in time more vessels will certainly operate on alternative fuels. But it will move at what I call ‘maritime speed’ fairly conservative. It will take years before such fuels represent a significant share of the market.”

One thing he is certain about: Xeamos’ expertise will remain relevant. “Even with alternative fuels, aftertreatment will still be required to further reduce emissions. Xeamos’ role will therefore remain just as important in the future. I expect we’ll continue working together on many outstanding projects for years to come.”