Home > Driving loading tech passion: Dirk Kanon

Driving Loading Tech Passion:
Dirk Kanon

A family-owned business in loading arms

Kanon Loading Equipment is a family-owned company specializing in the design and production of high-quality loading arms. Founded in 1978 by Lex Kanon and his wife, the company started modestly, operating out of their home on Schumanlaan in Harderwijk. Their passion for loading arms was driven by a deep love for technology. Today, Kanon has grown into a thriving enterprise with Dirk Kanon leading the way as director.

“At Kanon, our passion for loading arms comes from a love of technology. We put ourselves in our customers’ shoes to turn challenges into solutions—and I’m proud to say we’ve been quite successful in doing so,” says Dirk Kanon.

Over two decades of leadership

With more than 35 years of experience at Kanon Loading Equipment, Dirk Kanon has had a remarkable journey within the company. Starting in the purchasing department, he moved through roles in project management and sales, ultimately becoming the company’s director and owner nearly 20 years ago. His leadership style is people-focused, fostering a workplace where employees feel motivated and empowered.

“We give our team the freedom and responsibility to take ownership of their work. Our informal atmosphere and straightforward communication ensure everyone feels included. My door is always open,” Dirk shares.

Building relationships is central to Dirk’s approach—not just with his team but also with the company’s clients, whom he considers partners. This philosophy is a cornerstone of Kanon’s success.

Innovation through collaboration

In partnership with van Wijk Werkendam, Kanon recently adapted an existing bunkering system to meet current and future LNG requirements. The result? The ‘Bunker Boom,’ an innovative solution designed to save valuable time in port operations. This breakthrough technology allows simultaneous LNG bunkering while loading or unloading container ships, utilizing a large LNG bunkering vessel equipped with the Bunker Boom.

“It’s incredible to see how combining our expertise with our partner’s knowledge has led to such a unique solution,” says Dirk. This collaboration underscores Kanon’s commitment to delivering innovative, efficient solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industry.

Kanon’s vision for the future

With a commitment to excellence and a focus on innovation, Kanon Loading Equipment is dedicated to delivering the best solutions for its partners. By combining decades of expertise with a forward-thinking mindset, Kanon continues to set the standard in the loading arm industry.

Whether it’s creating customized solutions or collaborating on transformative projects, Kanon is driven by a singular goal: to be the best, not the biggest.

Curious about our collaborations and innovations?

Want to learn more about our partnerships and the solutions we’re developing? Get in touch with us to see how we can support your needs.

Get in touch

Get in touch

Fill out the form below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We look forward to connecting with you!