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.

1880

Flooding and emergency dike works at Nieuwkuijk

1880 - Flooding and emergency dike works at Nieuwkuijk (1)
1880 - Flooding and emergency dike works at Nieuwkuijk (2)
1880 - Flooding and emergency dike works at Nieuwkuijk (3)

In the winter of 1880–1881, the disastrous floods at Nieuwkuijk had a profound impact across the Netherlands. After weeks of exceptionally high water levels in the river Meuse, the dike failed in the night of 29 and 30 December 1880, flooding the entire Land of Heusden and Altena. The situation deteriorated so rapidly that many residents were trapped on rooftops, beyond the reach of rescue boats.

Once water levels receded, urgent action was required. In January 1881, construction began on a new 600-meter dike, commissioned as an emergency measure to protect the area from further flooding. The works were executed by Nicolaas van Haaren, in partnership with Wouter Pietersz. de Vries, and were completed within just one month.

The Nieuwkuijk works illustrate how flood protection featured in these early activities, a focus that continues today in DEME’s flood defense and coastal protection projects worldwide.

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.