'A goal to grow towards'

Being involved from the very beginning in the large new construction projects carried out by Bakker Sliedrecht: that is the work of electrical engineer Stefan Bogers in a nutshell. From his position, he has contact with customers, classification agencies and internal departments.

"I am part of the responsibility for ensuring that projects meet the customer's demands, and fit within contract requirements and applicable regulations."

Searching for the best solution

Stefan: "The electrical engineering department, of which I am part, provides the technical specification that defines what a design must meet. It is then also up to us to monitor that process. These specifications describe how electrical systems on a ship are connected to each other. Here we can fall back on regulations. As a department, we look for the best solution together!"

The connecting factor

"We also have to ensure that our designs of electrical engineering topics can be built by colleagues in the workshop," Stefan explains. "Other departments specialize in building the products: we are the connecting factor in this. A good example of a typical project we carry out is designing a power plant on board. From there, all the energy generated is distributed to a ship. A power plant ensures that, for example, a ship can operate in solitary mode. This is closely related to the safety of such a system. Those safety provisions play a big role in the system design."

Affinity with offshore

Stefan: "I completed my higher education in electrical engineering. Through school I had already come into contact with Bakker Sliedrecht. After first working for another organization for a period after my graduation, I came across Bakker Sliedrecht again: I applied for a job via a roundabout way. My father also works offshore: I inherited that affinity from home. The region around Rotterdam is very maritime-minded anyway. My previous job was also related to that. The fact that I have an office job does not take away that connection!"

Putting drawings into practice

"My work is definitely connected to practice," Stefan continues. "What we design 'ties' all systems together. Our drawings must be able to be applied in practice. Our theory must be practicable. We therefore look at non-practical topics with a practical eye. On a drawing something is quickly adjusted, while in practice it often takes much longer. I am aware of the influence of theory on practice. Adjusting one line on paper can have a big impact!"

Sharing experiences and knowledge

Stefan: "Theory and practice come together when I am on site. The nice thing is that, as the point of inquiry for the field staff, I actually learn a lot from challenges they encounter in practice. It's always good to exchange those experiences and knowledge!" He continues: "It depends on the size of a new ship to be built how many people from our department are deployed. So far, I have been involved a lot in large projects, with a duration of one to two years."

Next level in energy engineering

Stefan: "The strength of Bakker Sliedrecht is the good working atmosphere: everyone is very proud of the work! We have a passion for the business, and work hard. As far as I'm concerned, Bakker Sliedrecht really is next level in energy technology. We are distinctive in the field of electrical engineering, particularly in energy technology. No challenge is too big: we can design, calculate and produce. The more complex, the better!"

Growing as an ambition

"My ambition" concludes Stefan, "is to continue to grow. I came in young and in the meantime many experienced colleagues are about to retire. In that internal succession I want to play a role. I am paired with a technical project leader: as his right hand, I learn a lot. It would be nice to eventually take over his role. Not yet: it's a goal to grow towards. I think this applies to more guys my age. There is so much knowledge in the house: I can always ask my questions.