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
As we have seen in worldwide marine commerce, and in commerce in general, the inland trade has been bouncing around a bit like an EKG strip. Weather patterns and international conflict have affected the grain trades, coal trade, and inverted some of the petrochemical trade. The world economy has stifled steel production and shipping and has had a knock-on effect on coal and ores.
I have been writing these blogs for two years now, analyzing the future of the marine industry. My intent is to help decision-makers address and prepare for forecasted changes. Now, I would like to shift my focus to various topics concerning domestic coastal, harbor, and inland marine operations.
WASP, or Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion, remains a hot topic in the maritime industry as key players contemplate their strategy towards lowering greenhouse emissions. This plays into the same conversation as alternative fuels.
Primary corporate entities behind wind power are COSCO, MOL, Cargill, and K Line. It is not surprising that three of these are large Asian shipping companies that have had several decades of experience in wind assist.
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.
Jessie joined DLS in 2021 with extensive experience in the marine industry. Jessie began his career as a shipfitter, machinist, and propulsion machinery installer at a shipyard. He then spent ten years as a diesel technician doing everything from routine mechanical repairs to complete engine overhauls and dynamometer testing. Jessie specializes in engine failure analysis and recognizing improper maintenance and installation. He is able to make recommendations regarding failure causation and potential imminent failures. Jessie transitioned to marine surveying in 2016 and is now a part of the DLS Hull & Machinery department.
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.