Blue Bell Shipping, the Project Logistics Alliance, member representing Iraq and Kazakhstan, has achieved remarkable 500% revenue growth over three years by executing some of the most challenging project logistics operations in the Middle East and Central Asia.

Headquartered in Dubai, UAE, Blue Bell has expanded from a single office to 15 strategic locations across the Middle East, Central Asia, and Australia building this growth on a foundation of specialized project cargo expertise. Under the leadership of Aditya Menon, who joined the family business four years ago, Blue Bell has evolved into a full-service project logistics provider serving mining, renewables, and infrastructure sectors alongside its traditional oil and gas clients.

The company's experience navigating Dubai's intensely competitive logistics market with an estimated 4,000 freight forwarders competing for business has sharpened its operational efficiency and customer service capabilities, creating competitive advantages as it expanded into less developed markets.

Major Project Achievements:

Blue Bell's growth story is defined by the scale and complexity of projects the company has successfully delivered in some of the region's most challenging logistics environments.

In Kazakhstan, Blue Bell coordinated one of the most ambitious airlift operations executing 54 aircraft charters for a single project. This operation required precise coordination of cargo consolidation, flight scheduling, customs clearance across multiple jurisdictions, and ground handling for oversized components at sites with limited infrastructure.

In Iraq, Blue Bell serves as the principal project logistics provider for the Khor Mor gas plant in the northern region, managing the continuous flow of critical infrastructure equipment, process modules, and construction materials. With minimal local manufacturing capacity, virtually every component must be imported and transported through complex supply chains requiring deep knowledge of Iraqi customs procedures, route planning for oversized cargo, and coordination with local authorities.

Iraq: Opportunity in Complexity

While many project forwarders avoid Iraq due to perceived risks, Blue Bell has found significant opportunity. Their successful track record on the Khor Mor gas plant and other infrastructure projects demonstrates that with proper local partnerships, security protocols, and logistical expertise, Iraq offers compelling project opportunities.

The country's reconstruction and energy sector development require constant flows of project cargo from power generation equipment to petrochemical processing units to telecommunications infrastructure. Blue Bell's established presence and proven delivery capability position the company as the go-to project logistics partner for companies entering or expanding in the Iraqi market.

Strategic Position in Central Asia's Project Boom

Blue Bell has positioned itself at the centre of Central Asia's infrastructure expansion. Governments across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the broader region are investing billions in energy infrastructure, mining operations, and industrial facilities all requiring sophisticated project logistics support.

Blue Bell has taken a long-term approach to these markets, establishing partnerships with two Kazakh universities to develop local logistics talent and deepen understanding of regional requirements. This investment in local capability gives our member advantages that pure commercial relationships cannot provide.

Project Cargo Excellence Under Pressure

Blue Bell's commitment to project delivery was tested dramatically in September 2025 when the Spliethoff vessel Minervagracht, carrying critical mining equipment for Blue Bell's first major Australian project, was struck by a Houthi drone off Yemen's coast.

The project represented a year of meticulous planning equipment sequencing, load planning, route optimization, and site delivery coordination. Within 48 hours of the incident, Blue Bell worked with Spliethoff and BigLift Shipping to secure a replacement vessel, maintaining the original delivery schedule and contract rates. The mining equipment arrived on schedule, preventing costly project delays.

"This is what project logistics is about," explains Aditya Menon. "When unexpected challenges arise, you need the relationships, expertise, and problem-solving capability to keep projects moving. Our clients depend on us to deliver, regardless of obstacles."

The Next Chapter: Strategic Growth and Acquisitions:

Having achieved 500% organic growth, our member is now exploring strategic acquisitions to accelerate expansion. Menon is evaluating project logistics companies in Houston and Europe that could complement Blue Bell's Middle East and Central Asian footprint, creating a more comprehensive global network for clients with multi-region projects.

"Project logistics is increasingly global," Menon notes. "Our clients need partners who can handle projects that span continents mining equipment from Europe to Kazakhstan, oil and gas modules from Asia to Iraq, oil & gas components from the Middle East to Australia. Strategic acquisitions will help us serve those needs."

The company's ten-year vision is clear: to be recognized as a major player in global project logistics. Given the trajectory from single office to 15 locations, from regional player to international capability, from 100% to 600% in three years this ambition appears well within reach.

Meet Blue Bell's project logistics team at Breakbulk Middle East, February 4-5, 2026, at Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai where Blue Bell is also a proud sponsor. Visit their stand to discuss your project cargo requirements and explore how Blue Bell's proven capabilities can support your next complex logistics operation.

Hear the complete story of how Blue Bell built specialized project logistics capabilities across on the Project Cargo Professionals podcast, part of the Voices of Breakbulk Middle East series in partnership with Breakbulk Events & Media and supported by SAL here!

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