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.

1916

Engineering under extreme conditions in Finland

DEME 1916 - Finland Helsingfors
DEME 1916 - Finland Helsingfors

In and around Helsingfors (today Helsinki), the founders confronted some of the most demanding environments of their early international work: snow, ice and mud, hard granite seabeds and exposed islands. Short construction seasons and harsh weather conditions made these projects a test of both endurance and engineering precision, requiring a combination of dredging, heavy rock excavation and meticulous execution.

One of the key projects was the construction of a torpedo boat harbour in Helsingfors, involving complex works in shallow, rocky waters. Nearby, at the famous sea fortress of Sveaborg, today known as Suomenlinna, the company carried out extensive rock cutting works. Spread across eight islands, the site posed exceptional logistical and technical challenges. Crews removed some 35,000 cubic meters of solid rock, combining dredging expertise with heavy rock excavation to deliver maritime infrastructure in conditions that tested both equipment and ingenuity.

These works stand out as an early example of successful marine engineering at its limits — a capability that DEME is now renowned for.

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.