1. TankerMap fleet snapshot
TankerMap currently tracks 7,249 tanker profiles in its canonical public fleet database, including 3,358 crude tankers and 876 LNG carriers. Within the crude fleet, the current size-band counts are 962 VLCCs, 752 Suezmax tankers and 1,254 Aframax tankers. These counts update from the same canonical vessel records used by the live vessel directory.
2. The main crude tanker classes
ULCC: above roughly 320,000 DWT. These ships are rare and can use only a limited set of deep-water terminals.
VLCC: 200,000 DWT and above in TankerMap's public classification. A typical VLCC carries about two million barrels of crude and serves long-haul trades. Browse the live VLCC fleet.
Suezmax: 120,000–199,999 DWT. This class balances long-haul capacity with access to more terminals and routes. Browse the live Suezmax fleet.
Aframax: 80,000–119,999 DWT. Aframax tankers are common on regional trades and at ports with tighter draft or berth limits. Browse the live Aframax fleet.
3. Panamax, LR, MR and Handysize
Panamax traditionally describes ships sized for the original Panama Canal locks, although modern canal eligibility depends on current dimensions and operating restrictions. Long Range product tankers are commonly divided into LR2 and LR1 bands. Medium Range tankers serve refined-product and chemical trades, while Handysize tankers reach smaller regional terminals. Industry labels overlap: DWT, cargo system and declared vessel type should be read together rather than treating a class name as a precise cargo guarantee.
4. Why size changes routes
Tanker size affects draft, berth compatibility, canal eligibility, voyage economics and the need for lightering or ship-to-ship transfer. VLCC traffic is prominent on Persian Gulf–Asia routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Suezmax vessels are common on Atlantic Basin and Mediterranean routes, while Aframax vessels are widely used in the Baltic, Mediterranean, North Sea and Caribbean. A class describes capability, not a fixed itinerary: the current AIS track and port history remain the evidence for an individual voyage.
5. How TankerMap classifies vessels
TankerMap applies explicit DWT bands only to canonical records identified as crude oil tankers: VLCC at 200,000 DWT or more, Suezmax from 120,000 to below 200,000 DWT, and Aframax from 80,000 to below 120,000 DWT. Missing or uncertain DWT is not guessed. This makes fleet counts reproducible, although commercial data providers may use slightly different boundaries. See the tanker glossary for DWT, draft, laden and ballast definitions.