In this episode, Project Cargo Professionals meets Denis Bandura, managing director at BBC Chartering Middle East, one of the longest-serving figures in the organisation, having joined BBC at the turn of the millennium.

From his early seafaring career to more than 25 years with BBC Chartering, Ukrainian-born Denis reflects on what it takes to build longevity in a sector defined by cycles, geopolitics and constant change. Speaking in Dubai for our Voices of Breakbulk Middle East series, he shares a candid view on how the region has evolved from a transshipment hub into a self-sustaining industrial force — particularly across oil & gas, wind and heavy industry.

We explore:

1. Why a shortage of capable heavy-lift tonnage may actually be healthy for the project market
2. How globalization has shifted — and why regions like the Middle East and India are increasingly standing on their own
3. What differentiates BBC Chartering’s fleet and operating model, from LakerMax vessels to ice-class newbuilds
4. Why sustainability, decarbonisation and efficiency are no longer just “big-client” concerns
5. How operators succeed — or fail — in the Middle East’s relationship-driven project cargo market

Denis also lifts the lid on a lighter tradition that’s made him something of a fixture at Breakbulk Middle East: the now-well-known BBC cigar box, opened late into the night as deals, stories and friendships are cemented — a small ritual that perfectly captures the community spirit of the sector.

A thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation with one of the region’s most consistent and respected voices.

🎥 Recorded in Dubai, UAE 👉 Connect with Denis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denis-bandura-762229276/

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 Our Sponsor: 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

Keywords: project cargo, breakbulk, heavy lift, logistics, EPC logistics, port operations, transport engineering.