2024 Year in Review M&A Market Update

Maritime Transport & Facilities

Maritime Transport & Facilities

The McLean Group’s Marine Transportation and Facilities team is comprised of industry experts that have advised the most important players in the U.S. maritime industry. Our team of advisors includes the industry’s largest contingent of accredited marine vessel and equipment appraisers, along with experienced investment banking and business valuation professionals. The maritime market is unique and requires advisors that can anticipate the obstacles clients might encounter and develop a plan for optimal success. We understand the marine transportation market and opportunities in the space and place our clients in the best position to achieve their goals.

The McLean Group is well positioned to serves maritime companies with these services:

Recent Publications

The McLean Group is pleased to announce the release of our 2024 M&A Year in Review. In this report, we analyze the most recent M&A developments within the Defense & Government Services, Security, Critical Infrastructure, and Marine Sectors. Explore the latest M&A trends and activities within these sectors. [...]

Vessels

Vessel Appraisal
Maritime Business Valuation
M&A Services
Due Diligence Support
Damage and Insurance Surveys
Drone & Digital Inspection

Ports & Facilities

Shipyard-Terminal Equipment Appraisal
Shipyard Business Valuation
Insurance Surveys
Drone & Digital Inspection
Barbara Papas – The McLean Group

Harry Ward

Position: Managing Director
Phone: 504.835.8505
Email: hward@mcleanllc.com

Harry Ward has more than 30 years of senior executive and M&A advisory experience across a range of industrial and technology sectors. He has advised on both buy side and sell side transactions, including the sale of 3 Phoenix to Ultra Electronics, AOCE to CAE, and the divestiture of GlobalTrak to Orbcomm. His buy side clients have included NASA, defense contractors, and companies in the aviation, SATCOM, and maritime technology industries.

Mr. Ward has extensive experience with the creation of ESOPs, notably advising on the sale of Linxx Global Solutions to a private equity funded leveraged ESOP, and regularly assists clients in evaluating strategic alternatives. He also brings a strong background in managing and growing small to mid-sized companies, as well as technical expertise in technology and maritime segments. Over a three-year period, he led a West Coast distribution company through the development and execution of a growth plan, culminating in its successful sale to a strategic buyer.

Based in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area, Mr. Ward frequently travels throughout the East Coast, Gulf of Mexico region, Southern California, and Huntsville, Alabama, the nation’s space and missile hub. He regularly publishes industry M&A reports and serves as a guest speaker and panelist for business and civic organizations. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Mr. Ward served multiple deployments from both U.S. coasts as a Navy helicopter pilot and survival instructor (SERE School). He earned an MBA in finance from San Diego State University.

Professional Credentials

  • Certified Exit Planning Advisor
  • FINRA Series 63, 79
  • Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) – Marine vessels and equipment

Harry Ward

Managing Director

Investment Banking

Norman J. Dufour

Norman Dufour

Position: Managing Director
Phone: 504.835.8505
Email: ndufour@mcleanllc.com

Mr. Dufour has more than 40 years of asset valuation and marine transportation experience. He joined Stickney Marine Surveying, Inc. in 1977, and was promoted to Vice-President of Operations in 1978. In 1988, he assumed the duties of President.

Mr. Dufour has surveyed all types of commercial marine vessels, including ships, tugs, towboats, crewboats, supply vessels, barges, derricks, dredges, and lift vessels, including their machinery. He is qualified in various State and Federal Courts in marine surveying, safety, engineering, and appraisal.

Education:

  • United States Coast Guard Academy Graduate
  • Naval Damage Control School
  • USCG Merchant Marine Safety School
  • EMD Engine School
  • Marine Gear Design & Application

Memberships / Professional Certification:

  • NAMS
  • Certified Marine Surveyor
  • National President 1996-1997
  • National Vice-President 1994-1995
  • Regional Vice-President East Gulf Region 1988-1991
  • ASA
  • Accredited Senior Appraiser
  • Local Chapter President/Vice-President 1991-1994 and 2009-2010

Norman Dufour

Managing Director

Investment Banking

SimVentions ESOP
Seaport Environmental Sale to PSC Industrial Outsourcing, LP
SimVentions ESOP
Seaport Environmental Sale to PSC Industrial Outsourcing, LP