The Size and Classification of Oil Tankers: An Overview of VLCC and ULCC

Oil tankers are a crucial part of the global shipping industry, responsible for transporting millions of barrels of crude oil across the world. They vary significantly in size and are classified according to their deadweight tonnage (DWT), which measures the total weight of cargo a ship can carry. Understanding the sizes and uses of different oil tankers is essential for shipping companies and stakeholders in the oil and gas industry.

Classification of Oil Tankers

Oil tankers are typically classified based on their deadweight tonnage (DWT). Here are some common types:

Small Tankers

Small tankers typically have a DWT up to 10,000. They are primarily used for coastal and inland shipping, facilitating local oil distribution and transportation.

Medium Tankers

Medium tankers have a DWT from 10,000 to 40,000. They are used for regional transportation of oil, capable of carrying a substantial amount of cargo within a specific region.

Aframax Tankers

Aframax tankers have a size range of 80,000 to 120,000 DWT. They are predominantly used for transporting crude oil, named after the (African-Mediterranean) region where they are frequently used.

Suezmax Tankers

Suezmax tankers can accommodate a capacity from 120,000 to 200,000 DWT. These vessels are designed to fit through the Suez Canal, allowing them to travel between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.

VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier)

Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) have a DWT of 200,000 to 320,000, making them ideal for long-distance crude oil transport. A typical VLCC can carry approximately 2 million barrels of oil, equivalent to about 84 million gallons.

ULCC (Ultra Large Crude Carrier)

ULCCs are the largest type of oil tanker, capable of carrying over 320,000 DWT. These vessels are used for transporting large volumes of crude oil, making them essential for global oil trade.

Largest Oil Tankers: Top 20 List

Some of the largest oil tankers in the world are these top 20, all longer than U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. The ranking is based on overall length. Here are the top 5:

1. Seawise Giant

Overall length: 458.46 meters / 1,504.1 feet. Capable of carrying 260,851 tons.

2. Pierre Guillaumat

Overall length: 414.23 meters / 1,359.0 feet. Capable of carrying 274,837 tons.

3. Batillus

Overall length: 414.22 meters / 1,359.0 feet. Capable of carrying 273,550 tons.

4. Bellamya

Overall length: 414.22 meters / 1,359.0 feet. Capable of carrying 274,267 tons.

5. Prairial

Overall length: 414.22 meters / 1,359.0 feet. Capable of carrying 274,825 tons.

For reference, a typical VLCC can carry about 2 million barrels of oil, which is equivalent to approximately 84 million gallons. The physical dimensions of these tankers can vary significantly, with some being over 1,000 feet (300 meters) long. These tankers not only have impressive capacities but also significant lengths, showcasing the immense scale of global oil transportation.

The largest oil tankers require significant resources and logistics to operate, and their sheer size poses challenges in terms of port access and operational procedures. Nonetheless, they play a vital role in the global oil supply chain, transporting a substantial portion of the world's crude oil from major producing regions to consumer markets.