Discover 150 years of DEME!
In 2026, DEME celebrates 150 years of marine and environmental engineering. From our early roots in 1876, we have grown from our origins in dredging and marine works into a leading, diversified group - shaped by expertise, innovation, resilience and a constant drive to push boundaries.
Throughout this anniversary year, we’ll take you on a journey through our history, sharing stories and moments that show how challenges were approached, solutions were developed and ambitions kept moving forward. Across our channels and on this dedicated anniversary website, you can discover the people, projects and breakthroughs that made DEME what it is today. This website will be updated weekly with new stories. Throughout the year, we will use #DEME150 to share and connect these stories.
As we reflect on 150 years, we continue to look ahead with the same spirit that defines us: We Care. We Dare. We Deliver.
DEME’s roots trace back to 1876, when Hendrik Willem Ackermans (1855–1945), a newly qualified civil engineer from the Polytechnic School of Delft in the Netherlands, joined the contracting enterpri
In 1878, Nicolaas van Haaren was awarded the contract for the dike works on Rozenburg Island in the Netherlands, along the Nieuwe Waterweg, the vital maritime link connecting Rotterdam to the North
In the winter of 1880–1881, the disastrous floods at Nieuwkuijk had a profound impact across the Netherlands.
Between the 1880s and early 1900s, the modernization of the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal was driven by the need to keep pace with increasing ship sizes and the transition from sail to steam.
Disclaimer
With 150 years of history, there are countless moments to tell. In this anniversary year, we share a non-exhaustive selection of stories that illustrate how DEME became the company it is today. These stories are drawn from a variety of historical sources, including books by authors such as Dirk Podevijn and Mon Vanderosteyne, company publications and the input of colleagues across the organization. As this website looks back on 150 years of heritage, it features archival material from different eras. Safety standards and working practices have evolved significantly over time and should be understood in their historical context.