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An in-depth look at the world's 9 largest oil tankers and their vital importance in the global oil trade.
In a world where oil still reigns supreme as one of the main sources of energy, oil tankers play a crucial role in transporting this essential commodity. And when it comes to these true colossi of the oceans, size and capacity are everything. See into the fascinating universe of the world's largest oil tankers, true giants that cross the seas, transporting millions of barrels of oil.
1. Sea Emerald
Registered under the flag of Greece, the Sea Emerald, built in South Korea in 2019, measures an impressive 335,8 meters long and 59,7 meters wide. With a weight of 156 thousand tons, its capacity is not left behind, supporting up to 300 thousand tons of cargo. Her 44 horsepower engines offer a top speed of 17 knots, making her an undisputed leader in efficiency and capacity.
2. Saham Ship
O Saham Ship, which bears the Panamanian flag, was manufactured in Japan in 2010. Its dimensions are almost as imposing as those of the Sea Emerald, with a length of 331 meters and a width of 60 meters. This leviathan weighs 157 thousand tons and has a capacity for 299 thousand tons of oil, driven by 33 thousand horsepower engines that also reach a speed of 17 knots.
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3. Universal Leader
Under the Panamanian flag, the Universal Leader shines with its load capacity of almost 300 thousand tons. With a draft of 15,6 meters, this vessel stretches 336 meters long and 60 meters wide, setting standards in maritime oil transport.
4. Dubai Beauty
O Dubai Beauty, under the flag of the Marshall Islands, stands out with a gross tonnage of 63.298 tons and a gross weight of 115.382 tons. Built in 2011, this 44 meter wide oil tanker is a testament to advanced marine engineering.
5. Andaman
Registered under the flag of Liberia, the Andaman was built at the South Korean shipyard in 2016. Measuring 333 meters long and 60 meters wide, this ship has a capacity for 299 thousand tons of oil and can reach speeds of up to 14 knots, thanks to its 32 thousand horsepower engines.
6. Diamond Gas Orchid
O Diamond Gas Orchid, under the Bahamian flag, is a standout with its cargo capacity of 94.028 tons. Built in 2018, it has a length of 293,5 meters and a width of 50 meters, proving to be a force to be reckoned with.
7. Eagle Hamilton
With the flag of the Isle of Man, the Eagle Hamilton it was built in South Korea in 2010. Its dimensions are a little more modest, at 249,9 meters long and 43,8 meters wide, but it is still a formidable competitor in maritime transport.
8. Flex Courageous
Under the flag of the Marshall Islands, the Flex Courageous it was built in 2019. With a capacity of 95.277 tons, measuring 295 meters long and 46 meters wide, it represents the new era of oil tankers.
9. Winson N 5
Built by the company in South Korea in 2001, this ship, registered under the Panamanian flag, is a true giant with the capacity to transport up to 2,2 million barrels of crude oil. Its dimensions and capacity reflect the magnitude of the largest oil tankers in the world.
These sea giants are not just marvels of modern engineering; they are the beating heart of the global oil trade. As they sail across the oceans, these oil tankers keep the world moving, carrying the blood life of modern economies. The fascination with these colossi lies not only in their impressive dimensions or carrying capacity, but also in the human ingenuity that makes their continued existence and operation possible.
History of oil tankers
The saga of oil tankers, essential in the global oil trade, begins in the second half of the 19th century, marking the beginning of an era of technological innovations and expansion of international trade. The need to transport oil efficiently and safely from producing regions to consuming centers led to the development of specialized ships, evolving from simple vessels to today's colossal supertankers.
Shell Oil introduced the AFRA system in 1954, a landmark in the history of oil tankers, providing a standard method for classifying these giants of the sea by size. This classification ranges from Panamax, adapted to pass through the Panama Canal, to the impressive ULCC, which symbolize the pinnacle of naval engineering, capable of transporting astronomical loads.
Supertankers face unique challenges due to their monumental size, such as port restrictions and the need for specialized marine terminals or transferring cargo to smaller vessels. Despite these limitations, the energy efficiency of these ships in terms of fuel per ton of cargo transported highlights maritime oil transport as one of the most effective ways of moving commodities.
The Brazilian contribution
In Brazil, the history of oil tankers is linked to the formation of Fronape, essential for the national autonomy in oil transport. The expansion and modernization of this fleet reflects the country's commitment to energy self-sufficiency and the strategic importance of oil in the national economy.
In addition to economic and logistical aspects, the operation of oil tankers raises significant environmental issues. Oil spills, such as the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, highlight the urgent need for safer and more sustainable practices in the maritime transportation of oil. The industry responded with improvements in ship construction standards, such as double hulls, and stricter regulations to minimize environmental impacts.
