Tankers are classified based on their deadweight tonnage (DWT), which measures their cargo-carrying capacity. The Average Freight Rate Assessment (AFRA) system estimates a ship’s approximate capacity in barrels by utilizing 90% of its deadweight tonnage.
Key Facts
- Tanker Classification: Tankers are classified based on their deadweight tons (DWT), which is a measure of their cargo-carrying capacity.
- AFRA Scale: The Average Freight Rate Assessment (AFRA) system is used to classify tanker vessels. It estimates the approximate capacity of a ship in barrels by using 90% of its deadweight tonnage.
- General Purpose (GP) and Medium Range (MR) Tankers: These smaller tankers are commonly used to transport refined petroleum products over shorter distances. A GP tanker can carry between 70,000 and 190,000 barrels of motor gasoline, while an MR tanker can carry between 190,000 and 345,000 barrels.
- Long Range (LR) Tankers: LR class ships are the most common in the global tanker fleet. They can carry both refined products and crude oil. An LR1 tanker can carry between 345,000 and 615,000 barrels of gasoline or between 310,000 and 550,000 barrels of light sweet crude oil.
- AFRAMAX Vessels: AFRAMAX vessels refer to ships between 80,000 and 120,000 deadweight tons. They are popular with oil companies for logistical purposes.
- Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC): VLCCs are responsible for most crude oil shipments globally. They can carry between 1.9 million and 2.2 million barrels of crude oil.
- Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCC): ULCC vessels can carry around 2 million to 3.7 million barrels of crude oil. They require special facilities and are limited in terms of loading and offloading locations.
General Purpose (GP) and Medium Range (MR) Tankers
These smaller tankers are commonly used to transport refined petroleum products over shorter distances. A GP tanker can carry between 70,000 and 190,000 barrels of motor gasoline, while an MR tanker can carry between 190,000 and 345,000 barrels.
Long Range (LR) Tankers
LR class ships are the most common in the global tanker fleet. They can carry both refined products and crude oil. An LR1 tanker can carry between 345,000 and 615,000 barrels of gasoline or between 310,000 and 550,000 barrels of light sweet crude oil.
AFRAMAX Vessels
AFRAMAX vessels refer to ships between 80,000 and 120,000 deadweight tons. They are popular with oil companies for logistical purposes.
Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC)
VLCCs are responsible for most crude oil shipments globally. They can carry between 1.9 million and 2.2 million barrels of crude oil.
Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCC)
ULCC vessels can carry around 2 million to 3.7 million barrels of crude oil. They require special facilities and are limited in terms of loading and offloading locations.
FAQs
What is the largest type of tanker?
Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCC) are the largest type of tanker, with a capacity of around 2 million to 3.7 million barrels of crude oil.
How much oil can a VLCC carry?
Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) can carry between 1.9 million and 2.2 million barrels of crude oil.
What is the most common type of tanker in the global fleet?
Long Range (LR) tankers are the most common type of tanker in the global fleet.
What is the capacity of a General Purpose (GP) tanker?
A GP tanker can carry between 70,000 and 190,000 barrels of motor gasoline.
What is the capacity of a Medium Range (MR) tanker?
An MR tanker can carry between 190,000 and 345,000 barrels of motor gasoline.
What is the capacity of an LR1 tanker?
An LR1 tanker can carry between 345,000 and 615,000 barrels of gasoline or between 310,000 and 550,000 barrels of light sweet crude oil.
What is the capacity of an AFRAMAX vessel?
AFRAMAX vessels have a capacity between 80,000 and 120,000 deadweight tons.
What is the difference between a VLCC and a ULCC?
VLCCs are smaller than ULCCs, with a capacity of 1.9 million to 2.2 million barrels of crude oil compared to ULCCs’ capacity of around 2 million to 3.7 million barrels of crude oil.