DEME’s roots trace back to 1876, when Hendrik Willem Ackermans (1855–1945), a newly qualified civil engineer from the Polytechnic School of Delft in the Netherlands, joined the contracting enterprise of Nicolaas van Haaren (1835–1904). Nicolaas van Haaren was a seasoned entrepreneur, building on a family tradition in contracting: his father had already been active in civil works, laying the foundations for a business firmly rooted in land-based, dry contracting.

Born in the same town of Kerkdriel, the founders brought together complementary strengths - technical expertise and entrepreneurial experience - at a time when Europe’s infrastructure and waterways were undergoing rapid change. What began as a continuation of established contracting activities soon evolved into something even more ambitious.

As trade expanded in the late 19th century, the navigability of rivers and canals became an increasing priority. International Rhine regulations, growing competition between ports and new opportunities for inland shipping triggered a surge in demand for hydraulic works. Responding to these developments, Nicolaas van Haaren and Hendrik Willem Ackermans gradually expanded their scope beyond traditional land-based projects into water-related works.