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.

1892

Building the Merwede Canal

DEME 1892 - Merwede Canal
DEME 1892 - Merwede canal
DEME 1892 - Merwede canal

When the Merwede Canal in the Netherlands opened in 1892, it marked a major step forward in inland navigation, strengthening the shipping connection between Amsterdam and Germany. Launched in the 1880s as a strategic national project, the canal combined upgraded existing waterways with newly constructed sections to create a continuous and efficient route, an ambitious undertaking for its time.

Nicolaas van Haaren and Hendrik Willem Ackermans, working in partnership with contractor Wouter Pietersz. de Vries, played a key role in the realization of parts of this landmark infrastructure. Their collaboration reflected the scale and complexity of late 19th century waterway construction, demanding both technical expertise and strong coordination.

Progress was swift and decisive. By 1888, major phases of the works were already underway well ahead of schedule, a notable achievement for a project of this size. With the Merwede Canal, our founders demonstrated an early hallmark of the company we are today: the courage to take on complexity, and the discipline to deliver.

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.