Blue Bell Shipping has quietly become one of the growth stories in the project logistics world — and, in the first episode of Voices of Breakbulk Middle East, we hear how it happened.

Aditya Menon joins us in London to unpack how a family-run firm founded by his father in 1987, has transformed into a 15-office boutique project forwarder, spanning the Middle East, Central Asia and beyond. From major EPC wins in Iraq to 54 aircraft charters into Kazakhstan, Blue Bell’s rise has been fast — and far from straightforward.

Adi tells host Luke King how the company learned to compete head-to-head with global logistics giants, why niche and frontier markets such as Iraq, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan were the right strategic bet, and how the company handled the pressures of rapid expansion, cash-flow strain and constant hiring.

We also discuss:

• How a small, family-owned forwarder can still beat the biggest players through service, trust, and agility.

• How one Iraq gas-plant project and a 54-flight charter series helped propel their growth.

• The stress and reality of opening offices across multiple countries — and how often it goes wrong.

• Why challenging markets create level playing fields that favour hungry forwarders.

• Blue Bell’s first real opportunity for acquisition — and where Adi thinks the right target might be.

• The delicate dynamics of joining a family business.

• How the company navigated the dramatic MV Minerva drone attack and what it revealed about carrier partnerships.

This is a story about ambition, risk, generational leadership — and how a company born in the ultra-competitive Dubai market is now aiming to become a major global player.

Another must-listen edition of Project Cargo Professionals.

🎥 Recorded at Hyve HQ in London, UK

👉 Connect with Adi Menon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditya-menon-5359a2a8/

For all business enquires relating to the podcast, email Luke@prospectcomms.co.uk and visit https://www.projectcargopros.com/

About Voices of Breakbulk Middle East

This episode is part of our special Voices of Breakbulk Middle East series, celebrating a decade of the region’s leading event for project cargo. Register now for the 10th anniversary of Breakbulk Middle East, taking place Feb 4-5 in Dubai: https://middleeast.breakbulk.com/page...

About SAL

SAL is one of the world’s leading heavy-lift and project cargo carriers, operating a modern fleet of specialised vessels with service speeds up to 20 knots, dynamic positioning systems, Fly-Jib capability and combined crane capacities of up to 2,000 tonnes. Together with SAL Intermarine, the company runs a global fleet supporting more than 1,200 employees across 27 offices worldwide. A member of the Harren Group, SAL is recognised for its high technical standards, safety and environmental performance, including its new Orca Class vessels. Alongside Jumbo Shipping, SAL also co-operates the JSI Alliance, providing comprehensive multipurpose, heavy-lift and offshore transport solutions.

👉 Visit https://sal.global

About Hareket

Hareket is a leading provider of engineered heavy lifting, project transport, and crane solutions, serving customers across Eurasia, the Middle East, and Africa. With over 15 offices worldwide and nearly seven decades of experience, Hareket supports sectors including energy, petrochemicals, oil and gas, nuclear, renewable energy, and civil infrastructure. Listed on the Turkish Stock Exchange in 2024, the company ranks first in Turkey and among the top heavy-lift and crane providers globally. Hareket is recognised for its technical expertise, operational reliability and ability to deliver tailored solutions for large-scale, complex projects.

👉 Visit https://www.hareket.com/en/home-page