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.

1914

Op koers blijven tijdens de Eerste Wereldoorlog

DEME 1914 - Navigating WW1 (1)
DEME 1914 - Navigating WW1 (2)

De Eerste Wereldoorlog zorgde voor toenemende ontwrichting van waterbouwkundige werken in heel Europa. Hoewel niet alle activiteiten stilvielen, werden veel projecten geconfronteerd met onzekerheid en bijzonder moeilijke werkomstandigheden. Een opmerkelijke uitzondering was Le Havre, waar de oprichters er wonderwel in slaagden de bagger- en havenwerken tijdens de oorlog voort te zetten.

In de nabijgelegen kustplaats Sainte-Adresse vestigde zich ondertussen de Belgische regering in ballingschap. De stad fungeerde als tijdelijk administratief centrum.

Te midden van deze woelige jaren richtten de oprichters van DEME zich op het verder ontwikkelen van hun technische kennis en professionele netwerken. Zo wisten ze een broodnodige continuïteit te behouden, vlak voordat gebeurtenissen zouden volgen die de onderneming zwaar op de proef zouden stellen.

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.