Skip to content

DLS Insights

The DLS is here to provide insights and comments on issues and topics as they relate to marine asset and appraisal  

Read The Latest From DLS

Hot Air?

U.S. offshore wind farms come up frequently in the news, often related to politics and
continue reading

CURRENT BATTERY SCIENCE IN TRANSPORTATION and AN ONGOING LOOK AT INLAND

In September 2021, I looked at the growing use of Lithium-Ion batteries in forms of
continue reading

THE FUEL RACE REVISITED…and other subjects

The fuels of the future will be impacting everything that we do. They are already
continue reading

A Look at Kirby Corporation and Inland Trends

While most vessel owners/operators keep their numbers under wraps, publicly traded companies, such as The
continue reading

Cash, Coal, and Corporations

While corporate lenders, shippers, and charterers are moving towards more eco-friendly operations, problems with green
continue reading

The Inland River Scene & Revisiting Tugboats 101

As we have seen in worldwide marine commerce, and in commerce in general, the inland
continue reading

Looking into the Domestic Picture

I have been writing these blogs for two years now, analyzing the future of the
continue reading

The WASP Sting

WASP, or Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion, remains a hot topic in the maritime industry as
continue reading

Skinning A Cat Part 2

I have written several blogs on the hottest subject in the green battle: the fuels
continue reading

Skinning A Cat

This 2-part blog looks at various ways to potentially reach mandated GHG emission levels aside
continue reading

Who’s In Charge Here?

As pointed out in past blogs, technology is advancing at a swift pace powered by
continue reading

What To Do About CO2

In many previous articles, I have written about the marine industry reacting to the CO2
continue reading

Another Look at the Fuel Gauge

First, a look at the current leader, LNG. Even though the World Bank came out
continue reading

BITS AND PIECES

With rapid technology changes and the endless flow of fascinating R&D press releases, some of
continue reading

MY GREEN IS BETTER THAN YOUR GREEN

I’ve been writing a lot about the ecological movement and the greening of merchant ships.
continue reading

The Fuel on the Hill

Petroleum is still here and will be prominent, although fading, for a few more decades.
continue reading

In Honor of 2021

As we begin a new year, I’d like to do a recap on the topics
continue reading

The U.S. and Short Sea Shipping

Ships, on a cost-per-ton mile, are the most efficient way to move large quantities of
continue reading

White Oil

The growth of lithium for use in batteries is phenomenal, as the number of products
continue reading
Green Ships DLS Marine Survey & Appraisal

Do Green Ships Have a Nuclear Future?

The amount of money being put into meeting the 2050 air cleanliness goals of the
continue reading
Off Shore Wind Farm DLS Marine Appraisal and Valuation

So, What About Offshore Wind Farms?

We are headlong into the new world of wind power. Not so new if you
continue reading
DLS Marine - US Join The Green Wave

Will the U.S. Join the Green Wave?

This month I look at the new administration’s first proposed bill that affects the oceans
continue reading

LNG Is Here: How Is It Impacting The Industry?

Where is LNG as the fuel of choice for the maritime industry? DLS Marine Surveyor
continue reading

Do appraisal methods commonly used internationally meet acceptable standards?

The standards that are taught in academia are the three approaches to value. They each
continue reading

Will Staycations Save the Domestic Day Cruise Passenger Business?

The blue water overnight passenger business is comatose. Will a vaccine make 2021 a profitable
continue reading

Keeping Score – Are You Green Enough?

Maritime vessel owners and operators are being pressured by international authorities and port state regulations
continue reading

Is One Section of River Traffic Fading Away?

I recently received a question on the market for river service open hopper barges. The
continue reading

Staying Ahead of Technology

Looking into the not so distant future there are new concerns for surveyors, owners and
continue reading

Marine Business Owners: $11.5MM Estate Tax Exemption is at Risk

Potential pending changes to the estate tax starting Jan 1, 2021 could significantly impact net
continue reading

A Look at the Tier 4 World

Due to the price of oil and COVID-19, there are vessels in lay up all
continue reading

Modern Marvels Meets Deep Sea Salvage

Last September, the Korean cargo ship Golden Ray capsized outside of Brunswick, GA with over
continue reading

Vessel Lay Up…At What Cost?

Due to the price of oil and COVID-19, there are vessels in lay up all
continue reading

Kenner Hendrix Advances to Accredited Member of the ASA

DLS Marine is pleased to announce Kenneth “Kenner” Hendrix, NAMS-CMS has earned the Accredited Member
continue reading

Long Green for Long-Lived Greens

DLS Marine surveyors and appraisers have always been current with what has been going on
continue reading

Today it’s Cash Flow. Tomorrow Oil Flow?

On an adjusted dollar value basis oil hasn’t been this cheap in over thirty years.
continue reading

DLS Marine Builds Remote Survey Vehicle to Access Confined Spaces

A long-time customer of DLS Marine recently came to us with a knotty problem. The
continue reading

NAMSGlobal Appoints Ave Boudreaux, Marine Surveyor for DLS Marine, as Treasurer for 2020-2022 Term

DLS Marine is pleased to announce that An International Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMSGlobal) has
continue reading

DLS Introduces Marine Business Valuation Services

We are proud to announce a new strategic relationship with The McLean Group (TMG), one
continue reading

IT’S THE ECONOMY (AND COVID-19 AND TECHNOLOGY AND REGULATORY CHANGES) STUPID

“It’s the economy, stupid.” James Carville coined this very famous and often quoted remark in
continue reading

Bedlam in the Time of COVID-19

Bedlam is defined as a scene of uproar and confusion. The term comes from the
continue reading

Response to Coronavirus

We have been closely monitoring the impacts on our community and industry and are taking
continue reading

Get A Quote

The Fastest Way To Get Your Project Started

DLS Marine Valuation Logo
Matt McDaniel DLS Marine Survey and Appraisal

Matt McDaniel

Hull & Machinery Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Hull and Machinery
  • Damage Assessment and Repairs
  • Condition
  • Inspections
  • Project Management

Memberships / Professional Certification:

  • NAMS-CMS

Background:

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.

mmcdaniel@dlsmarine.com
Charles Sterling - DLS - UAV Supervisor | Digital Inspection Manager

Charles Sterling

UAV Supervisor | Digital Inspection Manager

Areas of Expertise:

  • Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles & ROV’s
  • Digital Inspections
  • Computer Technology

Professional Certifications:

  • AS, Computer Information Systems
  • BS, Information Technology
  • FLIR Infrared Training Institute

Certified Specialist in Caterpillar diesel engines to include:

  • CFR Part 107
  • Level 1 sUAS Thermographer
  • Microsoft Certified System Engineer

Background:

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.

csterling@dlsmarine.com

Ave P. Boudreaux

Marine Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Hull and Machinery
  • Project Management Supervisor (QC) – overseen numerous construction and delivery schedules for vessels
  • Extensive knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard and ABS rules and regulations for vessel construction and repair

Education:

  • Rolls-Royce Z-Drive Failure Analysis Seminar
  • Flex-Core and Aluminum Welding Course
  • Extensive training in engine, gear, and shaft alignment
  • Extensive training in vessel repair and new construction

Memberships / Professional Certification:

  • NAMS-CMS

Background:

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.

 aboudreaux@dlsmarine.com

Norm Laskay - DLS Marine Valuation

Norman F. Laskay

Of Counsel

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.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Commercial Marine Appraisal
  • Hull Damage and Repair
  • Cargo Loading, Securing and Trip in Tow Preparation

Education:

  • Maine Maritime Academy Graduate
    B.S. in Marine Transportation
  • Continuing education credits in Law, Appraisal, Marine Survey, and Diesel Repair.

Professional Certification/Memberships:

  • NAMS Regional Board of Directors Member 1989-1994
  • American Society of Appraisers – Chapter Treasurer 1991-1994
  • American Society of Appraisers – Chapter President 1994-1995
  • Mark Twain Club (Charter Member)
  • Machinery and Technical Specialties International Committee 1995-Present

Publications

  • The Journal of the International Machinery & Technical Specialties Committee of the American Society of Appraisers “TUGBOAT DESIGN 101” Vol 13 No. 2 Fall 1996
  • The Journal of the International Machinery & Technical Specialties Committee of the American Society of Appraisers “KEEPING AN EYE ON YOUR MARINE ASSET” Vol 13 No. 3 Winter 1996
  • Marine Money, The Ship Finance Publication of Record “ASSET BASED APPRAISAL:, Vol. 21, No. 3, May/June 2006 Wrote the chapter on Marine Asset Appraisal for the American Society of Appraisers text book: “VALUING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT: THE FUNDAMENTALS OF APPRAISING MACHINERY AND TECHNICAL ASSETS” Second Edition. In 2008, revised the chapter for the future Third Edition and wrote an accompanying Work Book section.

Email: nlaskay@dlsmarine.com

  

Harry Ward President DLS Marine

Harry Ward

President

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.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Fleet and Vessel Appraisals
  • Marine Business Valuation
  • Transaction Support – Due Diligence
  • Transaction Support – Marine M&A Advisory
  • Digital Inspection – Marine and Offshore Wind

Education:

  • U. S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD – 1991, Bachelor of Science
  • San Diego State University, San Diego, CA – 1999, MBA with emphasis in Finance

Licenses and Professional Associations

  • FINRA Licenses, Series 63 and 79 (Investment Banking)
  • American Society of Appraisers, AM
  • Certified Exit Planning Advisor, CEPA (Business value assessment and strategy development