In this episode of Project Cargo Professionals, host Luke King goes Down Under to talk to Frank O Mueller—better known in the industry as “FOM”—to explore his journey from Hamburg to Brisbane and his 25-year career with AAL Shipping. From surviving Brisbane’s muggy summers to steering a multipurpose fleet through global disruption, Frank offers insights into leadership, customer trust, and the thinking behind AAL’s new Super B-Class vessels.

You’ll hear why AAL chose to stick with its liner service during the COVID-19 pandemic while others pivoted and how their in-house engineering team designed new ships to meet oversized cargo challenges. Whether you’re moving 50 tons of steel or building a future-proof fleet, this conversation highlights the role of long-term thinking, customer relationships and the importance of trust in the project cargo world.

🚢 Topics Covered:

·The origins of the “FOM” nickname and why it stuck

·Life in Brisbane and AAL’s decision to base there

·Lessons from sticking to trade lanes during COVID

·The story behind AAL’s new Super B-Class ships

·Designing vessels with wind blades, barges, and open-hold operations in mind

·The complex path to decarbonising shipping

·Why trust and transparency still matter in a digital world

·Frank’s leadership style—and his career highlight

For more content, visit Project Cargo Professionals.

🌎 Supported by The Heavy Lift Group, our Association Partner

Founded in 1987, The Heavy Lift Group is an international network of companies specializing in heavy lift and project cargo operations.Its 70+ members offer combined know-how, skills, experience and innovation to manage transportation needs of any scale, including the largest and most complex multimodal projects.As a quality-driven group, each member is carefully selected to ensure the highest standards of professionalism, reliability, and expertise across the network. THLG unites a diverse range of industry specialists—including cargo aircraft operators, specialized hauliers and crane operators, equipment and technology manufacturers, as well as freight forwarders, ship brokers and vessel owners. #PowerinUnity