Tanker

A tanker is a ship built to carry liquid cargo in bulk, such as crude oil, refined fuel, or LNG, in dedicated tanks rather than containers or dry holds.

Tankers carry liquid cargo, most importantly crude oil, refined fuel, and LNG, in dedicated tanks built into the hull, unlike bulk carriers that haul dry cargo like grain or ore in open holds. They range from small coastal vessels to some of the largest ships afloat, sized to the volume and route they are built to serve.

The largest crude oil tankers, VLCCs, carry enough oil to matter to a market’s daily supply on their own, which is why tanker availability and rates are watched closely alongside the oil price itself. LNG requires purpose-built tankers with insulated, refrigerated tanks distinct from ordinary oil tankers, since it must be kept at very low temperature to stay liquid for the voyage.