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.

1936

Shaping Poland's maritime infrastructure

DEME 1936 - Poland
DEME 1936 - Poland
DEME 1936 - Poland

In the aftermath of the First World War, Poland urgently needed to secure its own access to the sea. With Gdańsk placed under a special international status, the country turned to the Baltic coast to launch an ambitious program of port and waterway construction, transforming the landscape of its maritime infrastructure.

It was in this context that the DEME founders became closely involved in the construction of the Port of Gdynia, today a major maritime hub. Working within an international consortium, the company carried out extensive dredging and land reclamation works for the outer and inner harbor, access channels, and turning basins.

The impact was rapid and far-reaching. Between 1925 and 1936, Gdynia evolved from a small fishing village into one of the main ports of the Baltic Sea, handling a significant share of Poland’s foreign trade. The reclaimed land and newly created basins formed the backbone of a modern port, supporting industrial growth and connecting the country to international markets.

Beyond Gdynia, the founders contributed to a broader spectrum of works across the Baltic region. This included harbor developments in Gdańsk and coastal projects on the Hel peninsula, as well as dredging works on inland waterways linking major river systems, significantly extending the company's presence in the Baltic 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.