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.

1938

The frozen odyssey of cutter Gironde

DEME 1938 - Gironde
DEME 1938 - Gironde

In the late 1930s, new equipment was deployed to support ongoing projects in northern and eastern Europe. Among the fleet was cutter suction dredger Gironde, which set out for Poland in December 1938, traveling through inland waterways toward the Baltic region.

The journey quickly turned into an unexpected challenge. Shortly after departure, the vessel became trapped in thick ice near Osnabrück (Germany), bringing progress to a halt for weeks. What was meant to be a straightforward transit became a prolonged, uncertain voyage delayed by freezing conditions and dangerously low water levels.

Even after the ice finally cleared, the situation remained challenging. The Gironde needed at least 1.7 meters of water depth to sail, but in June 1939 water levels dropped to just 70 centimeters. As a result, progress was extremely slow, and the vessel at times had to dredge parts of its own passage to move forward. What was expected to take a few weeks stretched into a grueling journey of eight months before finally reaching its destination.

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.