The history of the trailing suction hopper dredger Antwerpen III during the Second World War illustrates how maritime engineering equipment became a strategic asset in a rapidly changing world. After completing its role in the construction of Pointe‑Noire in March 1940, the vessel was unable to return to Europe due to the escalation of the war. Instead, it remained in Central Africa, where it was maintained and later redeployed for new assignments.

Following the completion of the works at Pointe‑Noire, the dredger was taken to Boma (Congo) for maintenance. In light of the uncertainty of wartime transport and the risk of returning to Europe, the vessel remained in the region for several years, even undergoing periods of inactivity before being called into service again. The ability to maintain such equipment in a remote environment required technical expertise and careful planning, particularly in a context where spare parts and specialized personnel were difficult to obtain.

Between August 1942 and March 1944, the Antwerpen III was requisitioned for dredging operations on the Wouri River in Douala, Cameroon. These works were essential in terms of maintaining navigation channels and ensuring access to the port, which had become increasingly important for regional logistics during the war. The redeployment of the vessel demonstrates how dredging capacity was used in a flexible way to respond effectively to evolving needs across different regions.

Throughout this period, crews had to operate under challenging conditions. Maintenance work was carried out locally with limited resources, while personnel faced long deployments far from home and uncertainty about the duration of their assignments. However, regardless of these constraints, the dredger continued to perform the tasks required of it. This contributed to the maintenance and development of port infrastructure in multiple locations. The Antwerpen III eventually returned to Europe in 1946, after several years of continuous presence in Africa. Its journey reflects the broader reality of maritime engineering during the Second World War, when vessels, crews, and expertise had to adapt to new roles, new locations, and prolonged periods of uncertainty. It also highlights the importance of operational flexibility, which is a characteristic that continues to define DEME’s approach to its global fleet to this day.