Blue Gate Antwerp's transformation through the eyes of DEME

DEME is a leading Belgian company specialising in dredging, marine engineering and environmental solutions. With a global presence, DEME combines innovative technologies and sustainable practices to deliver complex projects in land reclamation, offshore energy and water infrastructure. We spoke with Jiska, Wolf and Ederic about their work at DEME and their involvement in Blue Gate Antwerp, Belgium’s first eco-effective industrial park.

Jiska, could you explain what DEME does?

Jiska (Sustainability Director): “We’re a contractor offering solutions worldwide. DEME started 150 years ago as a classic dredger. Over the last 25–30 years, we’ve diversified into offshore wind projects, infrastructure projects and tunnels, such as the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel between Germany and Denmark, as well as environmental work, such as cleaning up and managing brownfield sites and polluted land.”

Wolf, how does Blue Gate Antwerp fit into that story?

Wolf (Business Development Manager at DEME Environmental): “One of our specialities at DEME Environmental is soil remediation in the context of brownfield redevelopment. When the city of Antwerp asked us to clean up Blue Gate — a heavily polluted former petroleum site next to the Scheldt — we were eager to help. The project was offered as a public-private partnership consisting of the City of Antwerp, the Region of Flanders and 'De Vlaamse Waterweg'. We started work ten years ago, and today the site has been completely transformed.”

Ederic (Project Manager, DEME Environmental): “Preparation was key. We had strict sustainability, site usage and resilience criteria. Given our experience in consortia and brownfield redevelopment, we were well prepared to make Blue Gate ready for the future.”

Jiska, could you tell us more about your role? 

Jiska: “I’m responsible for turning our sustainability strategy into everyday practice. The term 'sustainability' covers a wide range of topics, including emissions, environmental impact, inclusion, talent development, and safety. My job involves coordinating with stakeholders and departments to ensure that a vessel we build today, for example, will still meet environmental standards 30 years from now. Over the past six years, legislation such as the European Green Deal has influenced what is relevant for DEME and its departments.”

Was sustainability part of Blue Gate from the start?

Wolf: “Yes, it was ambitious from day one, not just for the site, but also for the companies moving in. They must use 100% green energy, and buildings with the BREEAM 'Outstanding' certification are mandatory. Every newcomer is screened. It’s challenging, but in doing so, we’re building a community with high sustainable standards.”

Ederic: “Blue Gate is an eco-effective site. What was once heavily polluted has become a green link between the city and nature areas such as the Hobokense Polder. The polder serves as a natural seed bank, so nature largely determines what grows. We have also restored a unique rainwater-fed ditch. We deliberately reserve 25% of the site for nature and 75% for development.”

DEME has been based in Antwerp for 150 years. What is the secret to your success?

Jiska: “It starts with the Scheldt, which connects the city to the sea. Antwerp’s port is the second largest in Europe, which makes it an ideal location for DEME’s headquarters.”

Wolf adds, “Blue Gate also benefits from the Scheldt, supporting water-bound activities. The site is home to BlueApp and BlueChem, where start-ups and scale-ups in sustainable chemistry can trial their ideas. Once they have grown, they can either expand within Blue Gate or move to the port. It’s an ecosystem offering flexible solutions, no matter the size of the company.”

Ederic: “Flexibility is crucial. Blue Gate now plays a role in the city’s distribution network: large trucks bring goods to the site and smaller, eco-friendly vehicles then deliver them across Antwerp. This will be a key focus in the near future.”

Three years ago, DEME went public. What changed?

Jiska: “The international context — the impact of the pandemic, wars and energy crises — was more significant than going public. We’ve always focused on innovation and quality projects. Today, with offshore wind being less favoured in the US, we are focusing more on other markets to maintain our resilience and adaptability.”

What motivates you personally?

Jiska: “It’s the drive of everyone here. From day one, I could see it. From captains to engineers, there’s a collective ambition to move forward.”

Wolf: “For me, it's the expertise within DEME. Our portfolio is broad, our expertise is vast, and support is always available, from legal to technical.”

Ederic: “When I see Blue Gate now, with people walking and cycling, birds and greenery, I feel proud. It’s not only a matter of societal impact, but also the result of real cooperation.”

Jiska Verhulst, Sustainability Director at DEME

• Passionate about: my family, the outdoors and the mountains.
• Inspirational entrepreneurs: those with a can-do mentality, even in challenging circumstances.
• Recommended book/podcast: Maritime Impact, which explores the latest environmental policies and legislation impacting the global shipping industry.

Wolf Depraetere, Business Development Manager at DEME Environmental

• Passionate about birdwatching.
• Inspirational entrepreneur: those who take risks.
• Recommended book/podcast: Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari, which explores how to control artificial intelligence. 

Ederic Keirsebelik, Project Manager, DEME Environmental

• Passionate about: the outdoors and sports. 
• Inspirational entrepreneur: A friend of mine runs a small drinking water company. I admire his ongoing efforts to make it a success.
• Recommended book/podcast: The Burgundians by Bart Van Loo.