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.

1909

Reinforcing a Latin American network

DEME 1909 - Reinforcing a Latin American network
DEME 1909 - Reinforcing a Latin American network

The founders’ ambitions in Latin America extended far beyond the worksites. As projects in Rosario and Bahía Blanca progressed, new opportunities emerged across the region. Equipment and crews moved along the Río de la Plata and the Uruguay River, forming a growing network that connected Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil.

During a 1909–1910 journey, Hendrik Willem Ackermans travelled through Colón, Salto and onward into Rio Grande do Sul, coordinating worksites, meeting partners such as Hersent and Fougerolle, and visiting the dredgers and quarries that supported emerging harbor projects across the region.

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.