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.

1901

First maintenance dredging on the Scheldt

DEME 1901 - First maintenance dredging on the Scheldt
DEME 1901 - First maintenance dredging on the Scheldt
DEME 1901 - First maintenance dredging on the Scheldt

At the turn of the 20th century, the Scheldt was already a vital waterway for trade and industry. Until then, most contracts had focused on deepening the river. But in 1901, a shift occurred.

A first maintenance contract for the Scheldt was awarded to Nicolaas van Haaren and Hendrik Willem Ackermans, requiring the weekly dredging of 60,000 cubic meters of sand to keep the river navigable.

More than a century later, the Scheldt still moves. Sediment still shifts. And today, DEME continues to maintain this dynamic river, carrying forward a legacy that began in 1901 and remains essential to the region’s connectivity and economic growth.

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.