Founded in 1968, DLS is the leading worldwide marine surveying firm comprised of the largest concentration of NAMS-CMS and ASA-certified marine appraisers in the industry
DLS Marine is a leading worldwide marine surveying firm comprised of the largest concentration of NAMS-CMS surveyors and ASA-certified marine appraisers in the industry. Since its founding in 1968, DLS maintains its commitment to providing marine surveying services and appraisals with the highest degree of standards and ethics.
Its team averages twenty years of relevant field experience and provides technology-forward, innovative solutions spanning all major maritime areas to include appraisals, marine survey, hull and machinery, marine business valuations, digital inspection, cargo and inland.
50 years of marine vessel and equipment appraisal
The largest concentrations of NAMS surveyors in the marine industry
Digital inspections utilizing professional drone and imaging services
Trusted business valuation & transaction advisory services
We provide comprehensive and accurate surveys
Assisting with cargo loss investigations, condition & mitigation for insurance, and salvage
PM and new construction inspection services to vessel owners and builders
This overview explores select 2024, 10-K Annual Statements with a focus on each company’s assets and production, business performance, and indications of their expectations for 2025.
In 1939, the U.S. Navy Research Laboratory began exploring the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine. By 1955, the USS Nautilus was at sea. Soon after, the USSR introduced the commercial cargo ship Lenin, followed by the U.S. launching the Savannah in 1959.
With a few exceptions – Germany’s NS Otto Hahn (1964) and Japan’s NS Mutsu (1969) – the world went to nuclear powered war ships. Russia, however, occupied a unique middle ground with a fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers.
Changes in the maritime industry are expected to occur due to geopolitical shifts during the year. These changes will influence economic reasoning and patterns. With 80% of the world’s raw and completed products moving via merchant vessels, changes affecting the maritime sector will impact product costs for consumers.
Mondi Semsar joined the firm in 2024, bringing over a decade of expertise in bulk commodity management, operational efficiency, USDA grade standards for grain inspection, and quality control. Prior to this, he worked as a Surveyor and Bulk Commodity Supervisor at Russell Marine Group and served as a Manager and Instructor in the health and wellness industry. With specialized knowledge in large-scale grain operations and regulatory compliance, both domestically and internationally, Mondi applies a holistic, disciplined approach to every project, prioritizing precision, safety, and client engagement.
Matt began marine surveying in 2014 and has experience with damage causation, reviewing transit plans, new construction, cargo transfers, salvage operations, on/off charters, and general condition surveys. He joined the Hull & Machinery department at DLS in 2019.
Charles joined the firm in 2024, after managing an enterprise drone service provider based in New Orleans. He also teaches basic and advanced UAV class at Delgado Community College. Charles has extensive experience planning, flying complex missions in the Industrial, Chemical and Oil & Gas industries.
Mr. Boudreaux has 15 years experience with offshore supply vessels, crewboats, and anchor handling tugs. During this time, he served 8 years in vessel repair and new construction, 3 years in vessel operation and logistics, and 4 years as a vessel port captain.
Mr. Boudreaux served over 3 years as a marine surveyor performing numerous types of surveys in the marine industry prior to joining DLS.
Mr. Laskay joined Stickney, Dufour & Associates, Inc. in 1988 as a partner. He is now of Counsel. He became a Marine Surveyor in 1974, having gained prior experience in steamship agency, bulk cargo handling and vessel operations. He has been involved in many aspects of marine surveying including hull, machinery and cargo, both inland and ocean. Since becoming an Accredited Senior Appraiser of commercial marine equipment, he has been active with the American Society of Appraisers’ International Machinery and Technical Specialties Committee. He has written a comprehensive exam for the Commercial Marine Appraisal specialty and has written a 30-hour course for the American Society of Appraisers on appraising commercial marine vessels and yachts and is the lead instructor.
Email: nlaskay@dlsmarine.com
Harry Ward is the President of Dufour, Laskay & Strouse, Inc. Harry is a US Navy veteran and has spent much of the past decade in the maritime industry in sales, finance and general management. He has extensive experience in asset and business valuation and is working to maintain DLS leadership in marine appraisal and survey for another 50 years. Harry is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and served as a helicopter pilot and survival instructor through multiple tours of duty. He has an MBA from San Diego State University.