About us

Committed to sustainable development around the world

DEME is committed to act in a sustainable way within the scope of its activities – both on a social, economic and environmental level. The drive for sustainability is reflected in our Code of Ethics and is embedded in formal guidance documents. This policy’s principles are implemented at management level, in the business units, at headquarters and regional offices, on board our vessels and at a variety of sites all over the world.

DEME’s commitment to sustainable development and a sustainable way of operating goes well beyond legal obligations. Our vision is inspired by the belief in good stewardship; corporate social responsibility; the desire to meet client’s expectations; and the ambition to work in the interests of all stakeholders. As we succeed in enhancing the sustainability of our operations, we may ultimately also increase the competitiveness of our Group.

By the very nature of our business, DEME lays the foundation for development, economic growth, prosperity and social well-being – as it is written down in our corporate tagline ‘Creating Land for the Future.’ In addition to our core business of dredging, reclamation and port construction, which obviously contributes in a very direct way to sustainable development and a modal shift, DEME also develops a great variety of businesses that provide solutions for remediating our environment, developing renewable sources of energy, and preparing sustainable technologies for tomorrow’s needs.

As such, DEME’s contribution towards a sustainable future consists both in the very nature of our various business activities proper, and in the way DEME-management, staff and crew execute these activities. All DEME business units’ Management Systems are supported by the following certificates or are in accordance with: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, VCA** (BeNeLux only), ISM/ISPS (vessels only), ISO 14064.

Our commitment to sustainability is translated in an integrated policy for Quality, Health & Safety, Environment and Security (QHSE-S), which is implemented at corporate level and by all business units. DEME is committed to achieve Quality, Health, Safety, Environmental and Security excellence, which, in our view, includes avoiding adverse impact and injury to the environment and the communities in which we do business.

To stress the importance of our commitment and to address increased industry demands, DEME has reinforced and further professionalized staffing at its QHSE-S department. Many initiatives have already been taken in the previous years and the enhanced focus is a continuation of these efforts. Yet the consolidation of various initiatives under the overall umbrella of sustainability expresses our determination for a more structural approach.

Activities of all business units are managed in accordance with a document which is adopted by the Management Committee: ‘DEME Expectations for Quality, Health, Safety, Environment and Security.’