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.

1944

Maintaining critical waterways in Belgium during wartime

DEME 1944 - Maintaining critical waterways during wartime
DEME 1944 - Maintaining critical waterways during wartime

The year 1944 brought intense activity to the Scheldt and Rupel rivers as the tide of the war turned. The company found itself maintaining critical waterways right through the historic liberation of Belgium, often operating under highly unstable and dangerous conditions.

Utilizing the dredger Rupel, the company performed essential dredging for the Cockerill shipyard in Hoboken, the Société Générale Métallurgique de Hoboken-Olen, and the Antwerp Harbour Equipment Department at key maritime infrastructure like the Zuider and Bonaparte locks.

The urgency of the work was absolute: teams literally dredged through the historic day of September 4, 1944, as Allied forces liberated the city of Antwerp, keeping the vital shipping lanes clear during a momentous turning point in history.

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.