producttankers

Product tankers, also known as refined product carriers, are tanker ships designed to transport finished petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other liquid bulk cargoes. They differ from crude-oil carriers in the nature of their cargo and in tank arrangements that prevent cross-contamination among grades.

Most product tankers have multiple segregated cargo tanks connected to dedicated cargo pump rooms and loading/unloading manifolds. Modern designs employ inert gas systems to suppress flammable vapors and typically feature double hulls or reinforced bottoms for spill protection. Tank layouts may include heating coils or jacketed tanks for viscous cargoes, but many products are shipped at ambient temperatures. The tanks are kept separate to allow different products to be carried in a single voyage.

The fleet encompasses a range of size classes, including handysize, MR (medium range), LR1, and LR2, roughly spanning 15,000 to 150,000 deadweight tons. This variety enables operation across regional and international routes, with loading at refineries or terminals and discharge at distribution centers, pipelines, or bunkering facilities. Some ships are configured to carry multiple grades on one voyage, requiring careful compatibility and sequencing of cargoes.

Regulatory and safety considerations shape operation. Product tankers comply with international rules such as MARPOL and SOLAS and are subject to classification society requirements. Practices include ballast water management, vapor-emission controls, and rigorous crew training to prevent spills, reduce emissions, and ensure safe cargo handling.