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.

1878

Early involvement in water-related works

1978 - Early involvement in water-related works

In 1878, Nicolaas van Haaren was awarded the contract for the dike works on Rozenburg Island in the Netherlands, along the Nieuwe Waterweg, the vital maritime link connecting Rotterdam to the North Sea.

In addition to constructing of the dikes, Nicolaas van Haaren also carried out maintenance dredging on the Nieuwe Waterweg, contributing to the continued navigability of this newly developed shipping route. Operating in a tidal and sediment-rich environment required new technical approaches and practical know-how, accelerating the enterprise’s transition into hydraulic works.
These early experiences in dike construction and maintenance dredging reflect the enterprise’s growing involvement in water-related contracting activities. They laid the groundwork for a long tradition in dredging and marine infrastructure, expertise that remains at the heart of DEME’s activities today.

Even before the Rozenburg project, the van Haaren family had already demonstrated its capabilities in large-scale water-related works. Between 1868 and 1872, Nicolaas van Haaren played a role in the construction of the railway bridge over the Hollands Diep at Moerdijk. This technically challenging project required extensive water management, including the creation of stable foundations in a wide estuary with strong currents. The Moerdijk bridge works not only showcased the entrepreneur’s ability to tackle complex hydraulic challenges, but also provided valuable experience that would later shape a growing focus on marine and river engineering.

(c) Picture Moerdijk by Edmond Fierlants

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.