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.

1928

First press conference

DEME 1928 - First press conference

In June 1928, the DEME founders organized their first-ever press conference, marking a significant moment in how the company presented itself publicly. Until then, its activities had largely spoken for themselves through execution. By the late 1920s, that was no longer sufficient.

The press conference focused on ongoing dredging works in Antwerp. Journalists were taken to the connecting channel between the Albert and Leopold docks and visited the suction dredger Gelderland.

The initiative reflected a growing awareness of the importance of public perception and of the need to explain complex dredging works to a broader audience, particularly as DEME began to expand its activities well beyond Europe.

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.