Meet the minds behind the mission. Our advisory team serves as trusted advisors for once-in-a-generation marine infrastructure investments – bringing deep expertise, grounded insight, and a steady hand when it matters most.

Shelby Brothers, P.E.

Project Engineer

Shelby is a licensed mechanical engineer with a decade of experience spanning structural systems, machine design, and manufacturing. At Bardex, he plays a dual role in design and project engineering, contributing to the successful execution of both shiplift and offshore mooring projects. Shelby is especially passionate about developing custom, purpose-built equipment that solves complex client challenges with precision and practicality.

His work has included leading the design of hydraulic mooring systems rated over 900 tonnes SWL, managing vendor integration for critical components, like gantry cranes and winches, and supporting full project lifecycles from concept through commissioning. On the shipyard side, Shelby has served as a design and commissioning engineer on shiplift and transfer systems rated over 4,300 tonnes, guiding on-site installation, system integration, and client training.

“Engineering is more than solving problems; it’s about creating solutions that earn trust through performance. At Bardex, I take pride in designing equipment that doesn’t just meet the spec but fits our client’s goals.”

Alik List, P.E.

Shiplift Systems

Alik List brings deep technical expertise and hands-on project experience to the Bardex engineering team. Since joining the company in 2021, he has been instrumental in the design, engineering, and implementation of advanced mooring and shiplift systems. Early in his tenure, Alik took full ownership of the hydraulic and electronic controls scope for Bardex’s latest deck-tensioned mooring project—interfacing directly with clients and stakeholders to ensure successful delivery.

Today, Alik serves as Bardex’s Project Engineer and hydraulic subject matter expert, supporting engineering, sales, and project teams across multiple initiatives. His focus is on delivering cutting-edge fluid power solutions that address real-world operational challenges. Backed by IFPS certifications and a strong foundation in fluid power systems, Alik brings a rare combination of technical insight, field experience, and client-first communication that embodies Bardex’s engineer-to-engineer approach to problem-solving.

“My primary objective is to ensure Bardex delivers the most effective fluid power (hydraulic) solution for our clients. This requires a detailed understanding of current Bardex shiplifts, the challenges faced by shiplift operators, and a broad view of current and emerging technologies within the fluid power industry that could help keep our solutions at the forefront.”

Richard McAllister

Director of Projects, Australia

Based in Melbourne, Richard McAllister leads Bardex’s presence in Australia, bolstering Bardex’s long project history in the region with a new strategic regional base to support clients and projects across the Indo-Pacific. His focus includes major energy and infrastructure projects for US and Australian Defense interests, as well as future demands for maritime sustainment, offshore wind, and decommissioning of oil and gas assets.  With over 30 years of experience in engineering, government, and strategic infrastructure, Richard brings deep expertise to Bardex’s shiplift, oil and gas and offshore heavy-lift solutions.

Prior to joining Bardex, Richard led Indo-Pacific growth initiatives for Crowley Australia and held senior roles with the Australian Government, including as Supervising Scientist overseeing national nuclear and environmental policy. A chartered engineer with advanced degrees in civil and environmental engineering, he is known for his ability to navigate complex technical and regulatory challenges and build trusted relationships across the public and private sectors. He also serves as an Adjunct at Charles Darwin University’s School of Engineering, IT and Environment and is former President of Engineers Australia’s Northern Division.

Richard’s solutions-focused ability to bridging the government and private sectors reflects Bardex’s engineering-first philosophy and hands-on collaboration with clients.

“It’s a privilege to be able to bring Bardex’s world-class shiplift capabilities to Australia. Bardex is recognized globally for its engineering, safety, environmental stewardship, and economic impact–and I’m proud to extend that legacy in support of Australia’s maritime and defense industries.”

Nathan Power

Director of Operations, Von Schmidt Maritime (Partner company to Bardex)

Nathan Power brings 20 years of experience in the maritime industry to his role as Director of Operations at VSM, where he leads business and project development, as well as executing projects and drydocking operations with customers. In this role, Nathan works closely with Bardex as a trusted partner and collaborator, supporting drydocking projects and consulting on the NAVSEA Drydock Safety Certification Program. His hands-on experience and deep technical knowledge make him a key liaison between Bardex Solutions and end users in the field.

He previously served as Dockmaster and Waterfront Operations Manager at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, commanding a 28,000LT drydock and managing major waterfront infrastructure projects. Earlier in his career, he was a deck officer with the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command and an Adjunct Professor and Training Ship Crew Member at Maine Maritime Academy. Nathan has a BS in Marine Transportation Operations and, an MS in Global Logistics & Maritime Management from Maine Maritime Academy, and a Diploma in Naval Architecture from Lloyd’s Maritime Academy.  He holds a USCG Master of Unlimited Tonnage license and is a certified Maritime Port Manager (MPM) with the IAPME. 

“The best facilities and equipment in the world still require expert craftsmen to operate them successfully.  My greatest satisfaction comes from facilitating the intersection of business realities, engineering requirements, and operational necessities, to maximize the value of every project”.  

Robert Taylor, P.E.

Principal Engineer, Shipyard Solutions

Robert is a licensed Civil and Structural Engineer and an expert in global engineering and maritime applications with over 35 years of experience leading complex engineering, construction, and project management efforts across the maritime, industrial, commercial, and energy sectors. 

As Principal Engineer for Shipyard Solutions at Bardex Corporation, he drives the development and implementation of advanced systems including shiplifts, ship transfer platforms, offshore wind infrastructure, and heavy load handling equipment. His expertise lies in the structural design and fabrication of heavy steel components, lifting and skidding systems, seismic restraint systems, and custom marine structures.

Prior to Bardex, Robert worked with firms supporting large-scale civil infrastructure and industrial construction throughout North and Central America. His portfolio includes landmark projects such as the structural design of the Santa Barbara Bowl amphitheater and the UC Santa Barbara Mosher Alumni Building. 

Robert has spoken at industry events worldwide, written multiple white papers and articles, and was recently named the winner of the Albert A. Michelson Award by the Navy League of the United States. He also participated in the revision of the Lloyd’s Register Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment (CLAME).

“We strive to be a trusted advisor to our clients. We start by listening first. Once we understand the client’s needs, we have an unwavering commitment to finding a fit for purpose solution that meets their operational goals.”

Dan Toerner

Technical Sales Engineer

Daniel Toerner brings a strong background in naval architecture and offshore asset integrity to his role as Technical Sales Engineer at Bardex. Based in Houston, Daniel supports the commercial team with technical insight and engineering expertise across Bardex’s heavy-lift and positioning systems. His experience spans initial engineering calculations and concepts, proposal development, and cost estimates, along with a deep understanding of offshore operations and system performance.

Prior to joining Bardex, Daniel held engineering roles with Aker Solutions and The Shearer Group, where he led risk-based assessments, supported major offshore clients like bp, and contributed to vessel design and commissioning. He earned a B.S. in Ocean Engineering from Texas A&M and is actively involved in professional societies SNAME and MTS. In 2025, he was named to the OTC Emerging Leaders class. Daniel brings a solutions-driven mindset and client-focused approach to every project.

“No two projects are exactly alike. That’s why our sales process starts with listening-understanding each client’s challenges, constraints, and goals – and using that insight to develop a solution that fits. We don’t force clients to adapt to us. We engineer solutions that fit them.”