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.

1944

Dredging for the allied forces

DEME 1944 - Dredging for the Allied Forces
DEME 1944 - Dredging for the Allied Forces
DEME 1944 - Dredging for the Allied Forces
DEME 1944 - Dredging for the Allied Forces

Following the liberation of Antwerp in September 1944, the DEME founders immediately put their fleet and expertise to work for the Allied forces, playing a key role in securing the supply lines that powered the final push into Germany.

While the port of Antwerp had been captured virtually intact, access to it was fiercely contested. The German military had turned the nearby island of Walcheren into a heavily fortified stronghold, controlling the vital shipping lanes of the Scheldt. To break the stalemate, the Allies took the drastic step of bombing the dikes to flood the island and flush out the occupation. Once Walcheren was finally cleared in November 1944, Antwerp became the most critical logistical hub for the Allied advance.

To support the incoming British troops, the founders were commissioned by the Belgian authorities in December 1944. Deploying the dredger Rupel and Herbosch No. 21, teams carried out urgent dredging operations to keep the military supply lanes open.

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.