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.

1937

Expanding Bougie in the face of devastating storms

DEME 1937 - Bougie
DEME 1937 - Bougie

During the interwar period, DEME’s founders were called upon to expand the Port of Bougie (today Béjaïa), a vital gateway for Algeria's growing export economy. To accommodate a new generation of larger commercial vessels, an ambitious program was launched to radically deepen the harbor and overhaul its infrastructure.

The scale of the project was massive. Over several years, starting in 1927, the company executed major dredging operations to significantly increase the port's navigable depth. Crews also undertook the difficult task of demolishing aging underwater structures to make way for completely new port basins.

However, operating on the exposed Algerian coast proved to be treacherous. The Mediterranean was unpredictable, and the harsh maritime conditions frequently battered both the infrastructure and the fleet.

The ultimate test came in 1928, when fierce storms resulted in the devastating loss of several dredging vessels. It was a stark, costly reminder of the immense operational risks the crews faced daily as they pushed the boundaries of international marine engineering.

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.