Global Outlook 2026: Why Your Region Rocks!

We asked four industry leaders from the Middle East and Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe why the world should be watching their region in 2026 when it comes to breakbulk and project cargo.

From Issue 6, 2025 of Breakbulk Magazine

(3-minute read)

Amadou Diallo, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding Middle East & Africa*

The Middle East and Africa region continues to grow in importance for global logistics, particularly in breakbulk and project cargo. Its geographic location supports efficient trade flows between Asia, Europe and Africa, and the region is seeing consistent investment in infrastructure, energy and industrial development.

At DHL, we are investing more than €500 million into the Middle East and €300 million into Sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting our long-term confidence in the region’s potential. These investments are focused on expanding multimodal logistics capabilities, warehousing and digital platforms that help customers manage complex cargo movements and respond to shifting global conditions.

The latest DHL Global Connectedness Tracker shows that, despite global trade volatility, the Middle East, for instance, remains one of the few regions with an upgraded trade growth outlook. This resilience is supported by strong infrastructure, rising intra-regional trade and the region’s role in supply chain diversification. In the Gulf, trade volumes are rising, supported by economic diversification and connectivity. And in Africa, we are seeing growing demand for industrial, healthcare and energy-related logistics.

Breakbulk and project cargo are central to many of these developments, from moving equipment and renewable energy components to supporting large-scale infrastructure projects. Both region’s logistics capabilities are evolving quickly, and its importance in global supply chains is only set to grow.

Lim Ling Ling, managing director Malaysia, Trans Global Projects

Asia is where momentum meets opportunity. From Malaysia, we’re seeing a surge in demand for complex project logistics, especially in the energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors. With our new office in Kuala Lumpur, Trans Global Projects is positioned at the heart of this growth, offering clients deep regional expertise, agile execution and global standards.

A diverse, well-educated, multi-lingual and trainable workforce serves as the foundation of Malaysia’s economic growth. Kuala Lumpur is home to many foreign oil and gas (O&G) multinationals and a thriving domestic base of O&G companies. With a steady supply of skilled professionals, Malaysia has become a compelling investment destination and is creating long-term growth opportunities within Asia’s O&G industry.

We’re proud to be part of this dynamic transformation and excited about the opportunities ahead. The region’s pace, scale and diversity make it a critical engine for innovation and delivery in global project logistics.

Agustin Harriague, VP, logistics and supply chain operational excellence, Mitsubishi Power Americas

If you’re looking to experience the energy transition at full steam, look no further than the Americas. The market is red hot, and there’s nothing to compare it to, not even the last gas turbine boom. Power demand is being driven not by a single cause, but by several at once: AI, data centers, electrification, manufacturing growth and reshoring. Together, they have created a “never before seen” energy landscape that is redefining project logistics across the region.

During 2025, the pace of project development has only accelerated. Clients are moving fast, driven by the need for reliable, 24/7 baseload generation with a clear path to decarbonization. The collaboration among OEMs, EPCs, utilities and developers is stronger than ever, built on trust and shared urgency. Everyone is rising to meet the challenge, expanding manufacturing capacity and infrastructure while managing tight supply chains and labor constraints.

Natural gas-fired generation is leading the charge to meet immediate demand, while investments in CCS, hydrogen and nuclear keep the long-term transition alive. Customers want power now and clean power tomorrow. The Americas are proving that reliability and decarbonization can advance together, and that is what makes this region impossible to ignore.

Danny Levenswaard, director of Breakbulk, Port of Rotterdam Authority

Europe is the center when it comes to the production of high-valued materials, such as high-grade steel and nonferrous. Next to that, it’s a frontrunner when it comes to project cargo. Amid the energy transition, the region has set itself high targets. This ensures developments in project plants, offshore wind farms, upgrading existing facilities, and more. Europe is also at the forefront of the raw material transition. Here, resources such as steel, non-ferrous metals and forest products are being re-used to produce new materials.

However, Europe is also facing difficulties due to labor shortages, rising energy costs and the relocation of companies to other areas, particularly within the chemical industry. The region is determined to tackle these challenges, with world-class companies that have made these issues a top priority. In addition, Europe has the right infrastructure to address the challenges and is well-positioned to assist other regions to overcome their own.

All in all, the region does face obstacles, but it also houses the right companies to embrace these and turn them into opportunities. Europe, therefore, really is a region to keep a close eye on!

*Since the time of writing, Amadou Diallo has announced he will move to a new role as group CEO at Aramex, effective May 1, 2026.

Read more in our Global Outlook 2026 series:

Powering Into the New Year

Navigating Uncertainty

Shifting Opportunities

Tech Talk

Cargo With a Conscience

Top photo: Trans Global Projects ships a total of 57 wind turbine sets from China to Vietnam. Credit TGP