Long-standing partnerships and practical performance: An interview with Devall Diesel at Workboat 2025

Devall Diesel Services (DDS) has supported commercial marine operators along the U.S. Gulf Coast for decades, working closely with vessel owners whose operations depend on the durability of Cummins solutions and the expertise of their service and support network. 

This year, DDS celebrates 30 years as an independent Cummins marine dealer and, in their wider business - Southern Devall, continue a 50-year legacy operating more than 60 Cummins powered vessels along 11,000 miles of inland rivers.

This long-standing relationship formed the backdrop to a recent interview with David Devall, General Manager of Devall Diesel Services, and Maritime Reporter TV’s Greg Trauthwein at the 2025 International Workboat Show.

A recurring theme in the discussion was simplicity. Describing how Cummins has maintained a clear and practical engine platform, David shared how their reliability and ease of maintenance support daily maritime operations. “They’re easy to work on and they’re very dependable,” he reflected, echoing the confidence DDS places in the Cummins portfolio, particularly in commercial environments where unplanned downtime has detrimental operational impact. 

As new players enter the North American marine market, David shared that Cummins continues to be a well-established presence, shaped by decades of operating experience. For him, that reputation has been built through long-term operation across Devall’s own vessels as well as witnessed in the customer fleets they support. Over time, Cummins capabilities have adapted alongside a changing market, continuing to prioritize the fundamentals of reliable power that matter most in demanding marine environments. It is this combination of longevity and evolution that has formed this trust, with David reflecting that “Cummins represents something that you can’t replace.”

Cummins’ place within the heritage of the marine industry is reinforced by long-standing relationships with dealers and operators. Recognized as a “proven commodity,” David shared that he is “proud to continue that legacy”. This history continues to provide confidence across the marine sector, solidifying Cummins as a dependable partner for the industry.

The full interview provides a grounded view of how Cummins’ long-term product dependability, serviceability, and partnership continue to shape commercial marine operations today. 

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