by Mercedes James
RESERVE, LOUISIANA – As DSC Dredge (DSC) officially closes out its 2024, one can only say it was a year filled of remarkable achievements, groundbreaking innovations, and meaningful employee milestones. In 2024, as a family committed to growth and excellence it completed a range of projects that underscore its commitment to advancing dredging technology and supporting its customers worldwide.
As we recap the year, we start with DSC’s Product Support team who added staff which helped increase the product line revenue 27% over the previous year, delivering essential upgrades and refurbishments to clients both within the US and internationally. From PLC and hydraulic system enhancements to critical density meter and flow upgrades, the team ensured that clients’ dredges remained at peak efficiency. Additionally, DSC successfully executed dredge refurbishments, painting projects, booster upgrades, and a barge recovery, solidifying its reputation for quality and reliability.
DSC Vision experienced remarkable growth in 2024, achieving a 224% year-over-year revenue increase. The expansion of multi-beam scan operations and the continuation of several key projects underscored its growing impact in the industry. Meanwhile, the project management department reported successful deliveries of multiple dredges and over 20 major projects in progress in 2024.
In alignment with DSC’s business growth, it is worth noting that the Parts department surpassed its budget by 12%, playing a key role in the company’s overall success. Furthermore, total revenues for 2024 exceeded projections by 21%, further highlighting DSC’s strong financial performance and continued demand within the industry.
DSC also led the industry with innovative technological advancements. The Dredge RX system received significant updates, including enhanced security, a historical data section, and daily reporting features. These enhancements drove over 300% user growth by year-end. Looking ahead to 2025, positional GPS data capabilities are set to revolutionize tracking. It is with high regard that we note that one of the year’s pinnacle deliveries was the Muddy Waters dredge, recognized as one of the top 10 vessels in the United States. This fully customized Marlin Class dredge, was among the largest and most technologically advanced in the country, measuring an impressive 371 feet in length. Designed for efficiency, it could dredge a 400-foot-wide cut with an 80-degree swing arc, boosting productivity by nearly six percent. Its innovative detachable carriage barge provided unparalleled adaptability, making it a game-changer in the industry. Another first for DSC was one of its Marlin Class dredges which featured a liquid-cooled AC drive, a double-shafted motor, and a lockable ladder for enhanced efficiency in demanding conditions.
Furthering its engineering competency, DSC introduced a new customized 18-inch dredge pump, designed for improved performance and efficiency. Hydraulic system enhancements allowed for greater pressure control, paving the way for more compact, effective components. Additionally, a 5-wire anchoring configuration utilizing 3 stern winches and integrated vision systems became standard features, reflecting DSC’s focus on usability and cutting-edge design.
The question on everyone’s tongue at this point is “What’s Next for DSC?
As DSC looks to the future, one thing remains certain—demand for its cutting-edge dredging solutions continues to grow. With a backlog extending until 2027, customers are securing their projects well in advance, recognizing DSC’s unmatched quality and expertise. This sustained demand reflects DSC’s industry leadership, with new opportunities continually shaping the future of dredging innovation.
DSC remains focused on pioneering new advancements, such as refining suction mouth designs for optimized sand intake and conducting cutting-edge cavitation testing excavation modeling. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, DSC continues to set new benchmarks in dredging technology, ensuring another year of groundbreaking achievements.
Education and industry leadership remained yet another priority for DSC throughout 2024. Kicking off the year, William Wetta, P.E., continued his standing commitment and played a key role in industry education, teaching at Texas A&M University’s Annual Dredging Short Course and DSC made history with its inaugural three-day Aggregate Training Short Course, an expansion of its long-standing annual Dreducation program which was a resounding success selling out in only four months from release date. Another educational highlight occurred at the WEDA 2024 Annual Dredging Summit where DSC unveiled its highly anticipated dredge simulator and its team of experts delivered multiple educational sessions to attendees. It was at this event DSC also earned recognition for the Best Educational Booth award. This was not the only award DSC received in 2024; the company’s commitment tosafety was also recognized as they were once more named one of Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corporation’s (LWCC) Safest 70 policyholders.
Furthering its commitment to the future, DSC’s recruiting team had their boots on the ground from as early as February through November 2024, making career-changing opportunities known. Varying team members participated in several career fairs both on the university level to trade and technical schools. Some of which included University of New Orleans (UNO), Louisiana State University (LSU), University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL), Louisiana Tech, Terrebonne Parish, Fletcher Community, Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU), and ITI Technical College. Additionally, DSC proudly sponsored several IEEE and ASME association meetings, ensuring access to opportunities for the next generation of industry leaders.
From successful deliveries and new contracts to innovative engineering feats and recognition awards, DSC has consistently demonstrated industry leadership. However, what truly sets us apart is the heart of the company – our people. In 2024, DSC made a memorable impact, surpassing all expectations with its holiday philanthropic efforts, which included a food drive during thanksgiving followed by its annual toy drive. Efforts of the later resulted in meaningful donations to four key foundations: Toys for Tots via St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office and the New Wine Christian Church which both helped families within DSC’s headquarters parish; the Gonzales Police Department which helped families in the community that were in need, and Child Advocacy Services (CAS) an organization that works tirelessly to protect children and prevent abuse – from cyberbullying to human trafficking, child trauma and sexual abuse to name a few. The contributions given to these organizations are said to have a lasting impact to those in need.
Apart from the above, of the many employee milestones celebrated in 2024, one life changing moment made time stand still for one member. DSC’s Automation Engineer, Nailiby Rangel, achieved U.S. citizenship on November 21st. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “I want to express my gratitude to everyone at DSC for your support. The encouragement received was appreciated.” Her achievement embodies the spirit of perseverance and dedication that defines DSC’s workforce.
Amidst the celebrations, the team also faced bittersweet farewells as they closed out the year, bidding goodbye to two long-standing team members who had been with the company since the days when now-owners Bob and Bill Wetta’s father, Tommy Wetta, managed the company – Donald Dearman (35years, Poplarville, MS) and Dennis Madere (31years, Reserve, LA). Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping DSC’s success, and their impact will be felt for years to come. Additionally, the company honored its 2024 Employees of the Year: Heather Smith, Poplarville, Ms. and Troy Schulz, Reserve, La., highlighting their outstanding commitment, hard work, and the positive influence they have had on the entire team.
As DSC embarks on 2025, the company remains committed to innovation, education, and excellence—ensuring that the next chapter continues to push boundaries and redefine the dredging industry.
At DSC Dredge, we help customers make THE RIGHT CHOICE. Quality, Innovation, Service, Commitment and Customization are key DSC attributes which explain the reasons customers choose to work with DSC. DSC Dredge operates from two manufacturing facilities located in Reserve, LA, and Poplarville, MS. For more information about the company and its products, services and customized solutions, please visit www.dscdredge.com and follow us on Social Media.
