タンカー船の7種類を解説：すべての海員が知っておくべきこと

7 Types of Tanker Ships Explained: Every Seafarer Must Know (Updated 2026) top of page Tanker Ships Key Takeaways Tanker ship types are defined by the liquid they carry , including crude oil tankers, product tankers, chemical tankers, LNG carriers, LPG carriers, bitumen carriers, and food-grade tankers. Crude tankers are mainly classified by size such as Aframax, Suezmax, VLCC, and ULCC, which affects route options, port access, and cost efficiency. Product tankers move refined fuels and are known for segregated tanks that allow multiple grades like diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel in one voyage. Chemical tankers focus on safety and contamination control , using special coatings or stainless steel tanks and IMO Type 1/2/3 classifications based on hazard level. Gas tankers require advanced containment systems , with LNG carriers using cryogenic storage and LPG carriers using pressure and/or refrigeration depending on design. Table of Contents Introduction Types of Tanker Ships Key Components of Tanker Ships Operational Aspects of Tanker Ships Economic Importance of Tanker Ships Environmental Considerations Technological Advancements Challenges Facing the Tanker Ship Industry Future Outlook Conclusion FAQS Introduction Tanker ship types are mainly grouped by the liquid they carry, such as crude oil tankers, product tankers, chemical tankers, LNG carriers, LPG carriers, bitumen carriers, and food-grade tankers (edible oil or wine). These types of tanker ship differ in tank design, safety systems, and whether the cargo needs temperature control, pressure control, or strict contamination prevention. Tanker ships are specialized ships built to transport liquids in bulk across oceans. They support global trade by moving crude oil from production areas to refineries, delivering refined fuels like diesel and gasoline to markets, and carrying chemicals and liquefied gases for industry and energy use. Some tanker ship types are designed for very cold cargo, like LNG at cryogenic temperatures, while others are built for high pressure, like certain LPG carriers. Modern tankers also follow strict safety and environmental rules to reduce spill risks and protect crews. In this guide, you’ll learn the main tanker ship types , how they are classified, and what makes each type suitable for its cargo. Types of Tanker Ships Tanker ships come in several types, and each one is built for a specific kind of liquid cargo. Some carry crude oil, while others transport refined fuels, chemicals, or liquefied gases like LNG and LPG. Below is a quick table that explains the main tanker types and what they are used for. Tanker Type Carries Key Feature Common Keywords Crude Oil Tanker Unrefined crude oil Very large DWT classes VLCC, ULCC, Aframax Product Tanker Diesel, gasoline, jet fuel Multiple segregated tanks MR tanker, LR2 Chemical Tanker Industrial chemicals Coatings/stainless steel IMO Type 1/2/3 LNG Carrier Liquefied natural gas Cryogenic containment membrane, moss LPG Carrier Propane, butane Pressure/refrigeration fully refrigerated Bitumen Carrier Bitumen/asphalt Heated insulated tanks thermal oil heating Food-Grade Tanker Edible oils, wine Hygiene-grade tanks stainless steel 1. Crude Oil Tankers Source: Freepik Definition and Purpose Crude oil tankers are large ships specifically designed to transport unrefined crude oil from oil extraction sites to refineries. These ships are critical to the global energy supply chain, as they enable the movement of vast quantities of crude oil across oceans, linking oil-producing regions with refineries and markets around the world. Classification by Size Aframax : Aframax tankers are relatively small crude oil tankers, with a capacity ranging from 80,000 to 120,000 deadweight tons (DWT). These ships are often used for regional transport and can access smaller ports that larger tankers cannot. Aframax tankers are commonly employed in short-to-medium-haul routes, such as between the Middle East and Asia. Suezmax : Suezmax tankers are medium-sized crude oil carriers with capacities between 120,000 and 200,000 DWT. They are named after their ability to transit the Suez Canal, making them ideal for transporting oil between Europe and Asia. Suezmax tankers strike a balance between size and flexibility, allowing them to serve a variety of routes and markets. VLCC (Very Large Crude Carriers) : VLCCs are among the largest crude oil tankers, with capacities ranging from 200,000 to 320,000 DWT. These ships are used for long-haul routes, such as those between the Middle East and East Asia, where they transport massive quantities of crude oil to meet the energy demands of rapidly growing economies. ULCC (Ultra Large Crude Carriers) : ULCCs are the giants of the crude oil tanker fleet, with capacities exceeding 320,000 DWT. These massive ships are designed for the longest and most demanding routes, such as those between the Middle East and North America. Due to their size, ULCCs are typically restricted to deep-water ports and offshore oil terminals. 2. Product Tankers Source: Pexels Definition and Purpose Product tankers are specialized ships designed to carry refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and heating oil. These tankers play a vital role in distributing refined products from refineries to markets around the world, ensuring that end-users have access to essential fuels and chemicals. Types of Product Tankers Handysize : Handysize product tankers have a capacity of 10,000 to 40,000 DWT and are typically used for regional trade. These smaller ships are versatile and can access a wide range of ports, making them ideal for short-sea shipping and deliveries to locations with limited infrastructure. MR (Medium Range) Tankers : MR tankers have capacities of 40,000 to 55,000 DWT and are commonly used for intercontinental transport of refined products. These ships are well-suited for carrying multiple grades of cargo, thanks to their segregated tanks, which allow for the simultaneous transportation of different types of refined products. LR1 and LR2 (Long Range) Tankers : LR1 and LR2 tankers are larger product carriers, with capacities ranging from 55,000 to 160,000 DWT. LR1 tankers are typically used for long-haul routes, while LR2 tankers, being even larger, are often employed for transporting large volumes of refined products across oceans. These tankers are essential for meeting the global demand for refined petroleum products. 3. Chemical Tankers Source: Shutterstock Definition and Purpose Chemical tankers are specialized ships designed for the transportation of liquid chemicals in bulk. These tankers are equipped with features that allow them to carry a wide variety of chemical cargoes, ranging from highly hazardous substances to more common industrial chemicals. Key Features Cargo Segregation : Chemical tankers are equipped with multiple tanks that allow them to carry different chemicals simultaneously without the risk of cross-contamination. This capability is crucial for meeting the diverse demands of the chemical industry, where different products often need to be transported together. Coatings and Materials : The tanks of chemical tankers are often lined with specialized coatings or constructed from materials like stainless steel to prevent chemical reactions between the cargo and the tank walls. These features ensure the safe and uncontaminated transport of chemicals. Types of Chemical Tankers IMO Type 1, 2, and 3 : Chemical tankers are classified into three types based on the level of protection required for the cargo: IMO Type 1 : Designed for the most hazardous chemicals, requiring the highest level of safety features. IMO Type 2 : Used for chemicals that pose a moderate level of hazard. IMO Type 3 : Intended for the least hazardous chemicals, with fewer safety requirements compared to Types 1 and 2. 4. LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) Carriers Source: Wikipedia Definition and Purpose LNG carriers are specialized ships designed to transport natural gas in its liquefied form at cryogenic temperatures. These ships are essential for the global LNG trade, enabling the transportation of natural gas from production sites to markets across the world. Key Features Insulation and Containment Systems : LNG carriers are equipped with advanced insulation and containment systems that maintain the extremely low temperatures (around -162°C) required to keep natural gas in its liquid state. These systems are critical for preventing the gas from warming up and expanding, which could pose safety risks. Membrane and Spherical Tanks : LNG carriers typically use either membrane tanks or spherical tanks to contain the liquefied gas. Membrane tanks are flexible, allowing for more efficient use of space, while spherical tanks offer superior structural integrity. Types of LNG Carriers Conventional LNG Carriers : These are standard LNG carriers with capacities ranging from 125,000 to 170,000 cubic meters. They are used for most LNG transportation needs and are a common sight on major LNG trade routes. Q-Flex and Q-Max Carriers : These are the largest LNG carriers, with capacities of up to 266,000 cubic meters. Q-Flex and Q-Max carriers are primarily used for high-volume routes, such as those between the Middle East and Asia, where they transport large quantities of LNG to meet growing energy demands. 5. LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) Carriers Source: Shutterstock Definition and Purpose LPG carriers are specialized ships designed to transport liquefied gases such as propane and butane. These ships play a crucial role in the global energy supply chain, particularly in transporting LPG from production facilities to markets around the world. Key Features Pressurized and Semi-Pressurized Tanks : LPG carriers use pressurized tanks to store gases at high pressure or semi-pressurized tanks that combine pressure with low temperatures to keep the gases in a liquid state. Refrigeration Systems : These carriers are