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

Building the Albert Canal

DEME 1935 - Albert Canal
DEME 1935 - Albert Canal
DEME 1935 - Albert Canal

In the 1930s, Belgium undertakes one of its most ambitious infrastructure projects: the construction of the Albert Canal, creating a direct link between the Port of Antwerp and the industrial basin of Liège. Designed to handle growing volumes of inland shipping, the canal replaces a network of smaller waterways that had become insufficient for modern traffic.

DEME’s founders contribute to a section of the 129-kilometer canal, carrying out dredging and embankment operations, using a custom setup with the cutter Gironde and a dedicated pump vessel.

The scale of the works is unprecedented. Entire sections of land are excavated, embankments are built, and vast volumes of earth and rock are moved to create a continuous, navigable route across the country. Thousands of workers and a large fleet of specialized equipment are deployed to complete the canal within a short timeframe.

The canal is officially opened on 30 July 1939 by King Leopold III and Queen Elisabeth. Although completed, the outbreak of the Second World War delays its full use - its vital economic and logistical role only develops fully after 1945.

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.