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.

1960

Bluff - At the edge of the world

DEME 1960 - Bluff - At the edge of the world (1)
DEME 1960 - Bluff - At the edge of the world (2)
DEME 1960 - Bluff - At the edge of the world (3)
DEME 1960 - Bluff - At the edge of the world (4)

By 1960, DEME's founders had already worked in Africa, Asia and beyond. But few projects were as remote as the construction of the Port of Bluff on New Zealand's South Island. Nearly 19,000 kilometers from Europe, it was one of the most challenging overseas projects of its time.

Getting there was an adventure in itself: the dredger Rupel took 88 days to reach Bluff from Antwerp. Over three and a half years, the team dredged 4 million m³ of sand and rock and created a 40-hectare artificial island that still forms the heart of the port today.

When Island Harbour was inaugurated in December 1960, 280 people from 21 nationalities had contributed to the project. Bluff demonstrated that our dredging expertise could deliver major infrastructure projects at the farthest corners of the world, helping pave the way for decades of international growth.

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.