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.

1902

Petroleum Zuid: more than a century of engineering

DEME 1902 - More than a century of engineering
DEME 1902 - More than a century of engineering
DEME 1902 - More than a century of engineering

Petroleum had been imported through the Port of Antwerp since the 1860s. By 1898, the city decided to relocate these activities to the Zuider quays, south of the city centre. In 1902, Ackermans and Van Haaren deepened the Scheldt, raised the polder, and built embankments connecting the new petroleum site to the surrounding port infrastructure.

By May 1903, the site was ready, though the arrival of two deep draught petroleum ships required urgent dredging at the jetty.

More than a century later, the circle is round. A few years ago, DEME remediated the former petroleum site, addressing the legacy of former oil activities. From dredging and embankment works in 1902 to remediation today, the same ground once again became the focus of complex engineering works.

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.