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.

1885

Deepening works to improve maritime access

1885 - Deepening works to improve maritime access
1885 - Deepening works to improve maritime access
1885 - Deepening works to improve maritime access

In December 1885, Nicolaas van Haaren again teamed up with Hendrikus Theodorus Wiegerinck and won the contract for the deepening of Het Scheur, which aimed to improve navigability on this important shipping route serving the Port of Rotterdam.

The enormous scope for that time involved dredging 300,000 cubic meters of material within 150 working days and required the deployment of at least three steam-powered dredgers. With a contract value of 103,300 Dutch guilders, the project reflected both the growing scale and technical demands of hydraulic works in the late 19th century.

In the early days of marine engineering works, bucket ladder dredgers were commonly used, representing the prevailing dredging technology of the time. These early deepening projects helped shape expertise in maintaining and improving maritime access, a capability that remains central to DEME’s work in ports and shipping routes worldwide.

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.