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.

1985

The roots of offshore wind activities

DEME 1985 - The roots of offshore wind activities
DEME 1985 - The roots of offshore wind activities
DEME 1985 - The roots of offshore wind activities

Some chapters in DEME’s history have become far more impactful than anyone could have imagined at the time. Looking back, the creation of Hydro Soil Services (HSS) in 1985 was one such moment.

Established as a joint venture between Dredging International and the drilling specialist Smet Boring, HSS brought together two areas of expertise that would define DEME’s future: knowledge of the maritime environment and knowledge of the subsurface.

At a time when DEME was exploring new fields beyond its traditional activities, HSS was focusing on geotechnical investigations, drilling, and specialized offshore construction works. These capabilities opened the door to new markets and helped us build expertise in activities that were still in their infancy.

The true significance of HSS lies not only in the projects it delivered but also in the expertise it created. Over two decades, the company established a unique combination of offshore and geotechnical expertise that became deeply embedded in the group. These capabilities would later prove instrumental in the growth of DEME's offshore energy activities and the emerging offshore wind industry, where the company is now a recognized global leader.

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.