Tankers are large ships designed to transport oil from deepwater fields to refineries and terminals. They have double hulls to prevent oil leaks and can hold up to 14 million gallons of crude oil. They use a computerized Dynamic Positioning system to maneuver in all weather conditions. Tankers have shorter transport distances, and the crew must handle equipment carefully to prevent environmental contamination. Shipping companies often have long-term contracts with offshore fields, reservoirs, and refineries.
A tanker is a specially designed ship that loads oil from deepwater oil fields, reservoirs, or other ships, and then transports and unloads the cargo at refineries and terminals. Shipbuilders create these huge ships with special characteristics that can withstand bad weather and are capable of operations on the high seas. If for some reason one tanker is unable to make a trip, another can take its place, allowing operations to continue, while a pipeline malfunction would halt oil transport.
The ship can measure from 755 to 886 feet (230 to 270 meters) in length and weigh hundreds of thousands of tons. The specially designed double hulls of the tanker not only withstand the rigors of the sea, but also prevent potential oil leaks. Some may have up to 12 tank compartments, containing heating units that keep the oil in a liquid state. One end of a large pipe enters each tank, and the other end, on the deck, is equipped with hose connectors. These vessels can hold around 14 million gallons (52.99 million liters) of crude oil and travel at speeds of 16 knots (18 mph or 29.6 kph).
One end of the tanker deck houses a large structure, containing the living quarters for the crew and the wheelhouse on top. The wheelhouse, where the captain and crew work, usually contains computerized navigation equipment. The computerized Dynamic Positioning (DP) system, in conjunction with propellers, rudders and thrusters, automatically positions and holds the vessel in a safe position for loading and unloading. This equipment allows the ship to operate regardless of wind and sea conditions.
The DP uses complex technology including homing systems, gyroscopes, and vertical sensors, combined with wind sensors that monitor and control the propellers, thrusters, and power supplies. Although the dynamic positioning system can work automatically, the crew can manually change the configuration and position of the ship as needed. The system allows full maneuverability of the tanker without the need for tug assistance.
One of the differences between tankers and other types of ships includes shorter transport distances between the pickup and delivery of the crude oil. The workload aboard these vessels is often more demanding than that of oil tankers. As pickup and drop trips tend to be shorter, the crew must accurately execute the relevant operations more times. The standards require crews to load, unload, and handle equipment in a manner that prevents potential environmental contamination.
Pipelines to and from offshore oil fields and holding stations are generally impractical and cost prohibitive. Shipping companies often get long-term contracts with offshore fields, reservoirs, and refineries. This method of transporting oil also ensures pickup and delivery.
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