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.

1908

Crossing borders into Brazil

DEME - 1908 Crossing the borders into Brazil
DEME 1908 - Crossing the borders into Brazil
DEME 1908 - Crossing the borders into Brazil
DEME 1908 - Crossing the borders into Brazil
DEME 1908 - Crossing the borders into Brazil

When the founders’ activities expanded beyond Argentina, their journey led south to Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul. From 1908 onward, they became involved in developing the Port of Rio Grande, a growing Atlantic gateway for regional trade. Dredgers such as Brabant, Schelde III and Antwerpen were deployed as dams and quays were built and new harbor areas took shape, extending the experience built up along the Río de la Plata.

In cooperation with international partners such as Fougerolle and Hersent, the works in Rio Grande do Sul marked an important step in the founders’ ambition to establish a broader South American footprint.

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.