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

Gelderland I and a growing dredging fleet

DEME 1901 - Gelderland I
DEME 1901 - Gelderland III
DEME 1901 - Gelderland III

At the end of the 19th century, Hendrik Willem Ackermans and Nicolaas van Haaren continued to push the boundaries of dredging technology and scale. In December 1899, they teamed up again with shipbuilder L. Smit for the construction of a trailblazing new sand suction dredger: Gelderland I. Conceived as a large hopper for its time, the vessel measured 65 meters in length, 10 meters in width, and 4.5 meters in depth, reflecting a clear ambition to operate on a new scale.

Gelderland I was swiftly followed by Gelderland II, further advancing this new generation of hopper suction dredgers. Both vessels demonstrated a willingness to innovate, both with size and layout, contributing to the rapid development of dredging practice at the time. Their construction relied on close collaboration with a broad network of shipyards and suppliers, highlighting the collective effort behind technological progress.

Together, these vessels were part of a rapidly expanding fleet. By 1910, the entrepreneurs operated 10 dredgers, 9 suction dredgers and 22 tugs.

The name Gelderland would later return with Gelderland III, a suction dredger delivered in 1923 by Werf Gusto in Schiedam.

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.