When people search online for Aframax, they usually want to know one thing. They want to understand what an Aframax tanker is, how big it is, and why it is important in oil transportation.
You may see it referred to as an Aframax tanker, Aframax ship, or Aframax vessel. All these terms refer to the same type of oil tanker. This type of tanker is in the middle of the global tanker fleet.
This article explains Aframax tankers in simple terms. It covers their size, deadweight, GRT, and their use in shipping.
Oil Tanker Type & DWT Checker (AFRA Scale)
Enter tanker deadweight tonnage (DWT) to identify its tanker class based on the AFRA scale.
What Is an Aframax Tanker?
An Aframax tanker is a type of oil tanker classified by size. The word “Aframax” comes from the Average Freight Rate Assessment system, which was once used to standardize tanker freight rates.
Today, when someone says aframax vessel or aframax ship, they mean a tanker that is large enough to carry serious volumes of oil, but still small enough to access many ports that bigger ships cannot.
An Aframax oil tanker is commonly used to transport crude oil and petroleum products on medium-length routes, especially where port size, canal limits, or regional trade patterns make very large tankers impractical.
Aframax Tanker Size Explained
An Aframax ship is large enough to move significant oil volumes, but still flexible enough to operate in ports and terminals that cannot handle VLCC or ULCC tankers.
Typical Aframax size ranges are:
Aframax DWT: 80,000 – 120,000 deadweight tons
Aframax vessel size (length): about 230 – 245 meters
Beam (width): around 40 – 44 meters
Draft when loaded: roughly 14 – 15 meters
Aframax DWT: What Does It Mean?
Aframax DWT refers to deadweight tonnage, which is the maximum total weight the vessel can safely carry. This includes:
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Cargo (crude oil or products)
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Fuel
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Fresh water
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Crew and provisions
Most Aframax oil tankers fall between 80,000 and 120,000 DWT, with many modern designs optimized around 105,000–115,000 DWT for efficiency and port compatibility.
Whether you call it an Aframax tanker, Aframax ship, or Aframax vessel, this class plays a central role in global oil logistics. With an Aframax size of roughly 80,000–120,000 DWT, moderate length, and flexible port access, these tankers connect oil producers, refineries, and storage hubs around the world.
If you were searching for Aframax tanker size, Aframax DWT, Aframax tanker GRT, or Aframax vessel size, the answer is clear: Aframax tankers are medium-large oil carriers designed to move serious volumes of oil—without the limitations that come with ultra-large ships.
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