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.

1935

Brussels World Expo - Innovation on display

DEME 1935 - Brussels Expo
DEME 1935 - Brussels Expo

At the 1935 Brussels World Expo, industry and engineering took center stage, particularly as the event celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first railway line in continental Europe, which connected Brussels and Mechelen. Held during the interwar period and uncertain times, the Expo highlighted modern transport and infrastructure as key drivers of economic recovery, emphasizing progress and human ingenuity, while the world was gripped by economic hardship and rising political instability.

For DEME’s founders, this international exhibition offered an ideal opportunity to showcase their dredging expertise. On display were a scale model of the bucket ladder dredger Gdynia and the full-scale cutter head of cutter dredger Namur.

The founders showed how dredging quietly shapes the waterways and ports that keep world trade moving. They spotlighted both the technological advancements achieved during the interwar period and the sector’s crucial role in enabling modern maritime infrastructure.

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.