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.

1974

The creation of Dredging International

DEME 1974 - Dredging International
DEME 1974 - Dredging International

In 1974, two of Belgium’s leading companies decided to look beyond their individual histories and build a shared future. Ackermans & van Haaren and Société Générale de Dragage (SGD), CFE’s dredging division, combined their dredging activities to create Dredging International. The merger brought together decades of experience, engineering expertise and maritime know-how, uniting leading Belgian dredging capabilities under one name.

The two companies were far from strangers. Having already worked together on a number of major projects, they understood the value of combining their expertise and resources. As dredging projects became larger, more complex and increasingly international, joining forces was a natural next step.

Establishing Dredging International was one of the defining moments in DEME’s history. By bringing together two companies with a proven track record of working together, it created a stronger organization, better equipped for the challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing world.

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.