tankers

Tankers are vehicles or ships designed to transport liquids in bulk. In maritime contexts, they carry petroleum products, chemicals, and other liquid commodities. Road and rail tankers move liquids over land. The term encompasses a range of platforms and cargo specialties, from ancient saltwater cargo to modern cryogenic liquids.

Maritime tankers are classified by the cargo they carry. Crude oil carriers include Aframax, Suezmax, VLCC, and ULCC vessels, sized to fit particular port limits and sea routes. Product tankers move refined fuels and white oils, while chemical tankers transport specialty chemicals, often with tanks lined or coated to prevent contamination. LNG and LPG carriers transport liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gases in highly insulated, cryogenic tanks. Some ships are designed to carry multiple cargoes in segregated tanks, requiring complex pumping, piping, and temperature control systems.

Design and safety features are central to tanker operation. Modern vessels commonly use double-hull designs to reduce the risk of cargo spills in case of collision. Ballast systems, pumping arrangements, and inert gas or other gas-detection systems help manage cargo stability and fire hazards. Loading and unloading occur at port terminals or offshore facilities, and ballast water management is important for seakeeping and environmental protection. International regulations, notably MARPOL and rules administered by the International Maritime Organization, govern safety, pollution prevention, crew training, and equipment standards for tankers.

In addition to ships, the term tanker also applies to aircraft and ground vehicles. Tanker aircraft perform aerial refueling for military air forces, while road and rail tankers transport liquids such as fuels, water, or chemicals across land. Firefighting aircraft known as air tankers (or water bombers) are specialized avian platforms for dropping water or retardant.