Mustafa Şener, executive board member at Hareket, joins Project Cargo Professionals for a wide-ranging conversation recorded in Dubai as part of our Voices of Breakbulk Middle East series.

With more than two decades in global project logistics and heavy engineering, Mustafa offers a grounded, strategic view on where the sector is heading — from Türkiye’s evolving role as a manufacturing and engineering hub, to the rapid rise of the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia as the next major growth corridors for complex projects.

Drawing on his experience across Europe, North America and the Middle East, Mustafa explains how asset-based specialists like Hareket are positioning themselves for a new generation of mega-projects, why engineering depth and execution discipline matter more than ever, and how the launch of HPL One reflects a broader shift in how project logistics services are structured and delivered.

But beyond cranes, corridors and capacity, Mustafa also shares a more personal perspective — one shaped by his long-standing commitment to health, performance and longevity. As an active figure within the HYROX global fitness movement, he speaks candidly about the physical and mental demands of leadership, the realities of life in high-pressure corporate environments, and why personal resilience and team wellbeing are becoming strategic advantages in project logistics.

We explore:

1. Why Türkiye’s rising costs may actually signal strength, not weakness
2. How the Middle East is evolving into a self-sustaining project powerhouse
3. What differentiates asset-based engineering specialists in today’s market
4. The logic behind separating heavy engineering from global forwarding operations
5. Why leadership, energy and physical health are inseparable in high-performance teams

A thoughtful conversation that connects heavy projects with human performance, and a reminder that long-term success in this industry is built as much on people and discipline as it is on cargo and capacity.

🎥 Recorded in Dubai, UAE

👉 Connect with Mustafa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfsener/

For all business enquires relating to the podcast, email [email protected] 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/visitor-registration

About Our Sponsor: 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

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