Aframaxes

Aframaxes are a class of oil tankers defined by their size, typically carrying 80,000 to 120,000 deadweight tons (DWT). The name stems from the Average Freight Rate Assessment (AFRA) system used in the mid-20th century to classify ships by the freight rates they could handle, and it has become a standard market label for mid-sized tankers. Aframaxes sit between Panamaxes and Suezmax vessels in the tanker hierarchy and are suited for routes and ports that cannot accommodate the largest ships.

Design and capacity characteristics are typical of mid-sized tankers. Most Aframaxes are around 240 to 250 meters in length, with a beam of roughly 40 to 42 meters and a drafts of about 14 to 15 meters, though exact measurements vary by ship. Modern Aframaxes are generally built to double-hull standards in line with contemporary safety and environmental regulations, while older ships may still be single-hulled. Operational speed for crude-oil carriers in this class is commonly in the 14 to 15 knots range, depending on engine and voyage requirements.

Operations and market role. Aframaxes are widely used to transport crude oil and refined products, serving global trade routes from oil-producing regions to consuming markets. They offer flexible access to a broad range of ports and terminals that are not reachable by larger Suezmax or VLCC vessels. The fleet supports major oil corridors in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, adapting to regulatory changes and shifts in demand. In contemporary markets, Aframaxes balance cargo flexibility with operational efficiency, maintaining a relevant niche alongside other tanker size classes.