Article from Bouwmachines about the collaboration between Sterk B.V. and SDK Engineering

Foundation specialist Sterk BV has ambitious goals when it comes to emission-free operations. These goals must be achievable, must fit the employees, and must contribute to the continuity of the family business. In SDK Engineering, Sterk found a partner who understands its mission and thinks along about the future.

To be able to carry out foundation work completely emission-free by 2035, Sterk BV, the foundation specialist of the Netherlands, developed a true master plan. A plan consisting of three phases with various technological solutions, with the ultimate goal of no longer using diesel by 2035. “We like to see ourselves as a subcontractor plus. By that, I mean that we often work as a subcontractor but think like a main contractor, with all the responsibilities that come with it,” says technical director Peter van Halteren. “One of those responsibilities is that clients and main contractors expect us to deploy the right people and machines. For the machines, this means technically suitable equipment with emissions (or lack thereof) that fit the project and the tender.”

Feasible and affordable

Part of Sterk’s plan to become emission-free is to look at how existing knowledge, expertise, and equipment can be used and/or adapted. “Our people are the most important to us, and it is essential that they grow along with our route to zero emissions. In addition, developments must be feasible and affordable because making a profit is, of course, necessary. But we value continuity the most. Fully electric machines do not yet fit in with that due to the significant investment required. That investment goes beyond just the equipment itself. Battery capacity, charging infrastructure, and charging times are also part of it. However, we currently feel good about hybrid machines, both technically and financially.” During a meeting with Steven de Kam, Peter van Halteren discovered that SDK Engineering has the same approach. “We speak each other’s language, and they understand our wishes and requirements. And they listen carefully, so after converting our first Giken silent piler F401 to a CHDe plug-in hybrid, we will already start with a second machine with this system in May this year.”

The best of both worlds

Sterk bought the Giken silent piler F401 second-hand and entered into a partnership with SDK Engineering for the hybrid conversion. “SDK indicated that they could and wanted to do this, and then we discussed the required performance together. It is striking that Steven and his team really have expertise, which immediately gave us confidence. However, we started the project in close cooperation, and the result is clearly a co-production. That is necessary, because we are the only ones with this machine, which means pioneering and being flexible,” says Van Halteren.

He describes the unique hybrid Giken silent piler F401 CHDe as the best of both worlds. “Yes, also the best of Sterk and SDK, but what I actually mean is the combination of battery-electric, with or without the small diesel engine as a range extender, and electric. We can work battery-electric for 8 hours, with the diesel engine assisting when needed, and continuously electric if a construction connection or other power supply is available.”

The conversion, for which Sterk applied for and received SSEB, is the first of its kind, and time will tell whether everything functions as intended and expected. “Of course, there are minor issues and teething problems. SDK had indicated this in advance as well. Ultimately, it’s about how these are resolved, and that impression is extremely positive.”