Bardex expands to Australia with new Melbourne office

American engineering company Bardex is officially making a move on Australia, setting up a new Melbourne office to fill what it sees as a “growing demand” for maritime sustainment, offshore wind, and decommissioning oil and gas assets.

The new office will be headed by Richard McAllister, who joined Bardex in late 2023 and will assume the role of Bardex Australia director.

Bardex is a leader in products and engineering services that make ports and shipyards safer, more efficient, and more profitable.

In a press release announcing the expansion, Bardex says Australia historically has not prioritised developing its maritime infrastructure, but sees demand intensifying over the next three decades as Australia seeks to develop sovereign capability.

“Richard and the full array of Bardex resources and know-how are prepared to help Australia meet these challenges by designing marine infrastructure, such as multi-purpose ports and shipyards, that support activity across a range of sectors,” the release says.

McAllister has extensive experience working with the government, private sector, and NGOs, with his roles stretching over senior executive and strategic policy.

“It’s a privilege to be able to bring Bardex’s world-class capabilities to Australia,” McAllister says.

“The recognition of Bardex as a key player in supporting maritime commercial and defense activities for both Australia and allied nations is a testament to Bardex’s peerless engineering and technology, including its outstanding track records in safety and environmental impacts and support for local economies.”

Since McAllister’s engagement in Australia, Bardex has been in active discussions with the highest levels of state and federal government and has been working closely with a number of key ports in the region on multiuse infrastructure that will support Australia’s burgeoning maritime needs as well as regional workforces and manufacturing.