What is the largest tanker ship today?

The largest tanker ship today, particularly when considering vessels by deadweight tonnage and historical classification, is the FSO OCEANIA.

FSO OCEANIA: A Colossal Legacy Reimagined

The FSO OCEANIA holds the distinction of being the largest crude oil tanker by deadweight tonnage, even though it currently serves a different operational role. Originally one of a quartet of monumental tanker ships, it has since been converted into a Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) unit. This transformation means it primarily functions as a stationary offshore facility for storing crude oil and facilitating its transfer to other tankers, rather than actively transporting oil across oceans.

Evolution from Supertanker to Offshore Hub

Historically, the titans of maritime transport were Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCCs), engineered for the unparalleled task of moving immense volumes of crude oil globally. Over time, some of these goliaths have undergone significant transformations, transitioning from active voyaging vessels to critical infrastructure within offshore oil and gas production. The FSO OCEANIA perfectly illustrates this evolution. While its operational function has shifted, its sheer scale and massive deadweight tonnage capacity continue to secure its position as the largest among its former peers that once defined the apex of crude oil transportation.

The quartet of ships it was once part of — now known as FSO ASIA, SA EUROPE, FSO AFRICA, and OCEANIA — all underwent similar conversions to FSOs. Among these converted giants, the OCEANIA is recognized as the largest based on its impressive deadweight tonnage figures.

Key Attributes of the FSO OCEANIA