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.

1895

Schelde II marks a new era of dredging

DEME 1895 - Schelde II marks a new era of dredging
DEME 1895 - Schelde II marks a new era of dredging
DEME 1895 - Schelde II marks a new era of dredging

The construction of the pioneering hopper suction dredger Schelde II for the firm of Nicolaas van Haaren set a new standard in dredging. It was the first hopper suction dredger designed with an integrated system to load, pump, and unload sand directly to shore, a breakthrough developed by Hendrik Willem Ackermans together with the L. Smit & Zoon shipyard. The concept was later patented by three Dutch companies and, by bringing together suction and pumping technology in one vessel, significantly accelerated the development of the dredging industry.

By the end of May 1895, Schelde II was ready at the L. Smit shipyard. Hendrik Willem Ackermans travelled to the river Lek to witness the trial run, together with members of the van Haaren family. Just a month later, the vessel made its maiden voyage from Rotterdam to Antwerp.

Schelde II attracted wide attention. Engineers, students from the polytechnical school and public authorities soon made their way to the works in Antwerp, eager to see the new vessel at work and understand what this innovation might mean for the future of dredging.

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.