Definition

Noun: * A large ship specifically designed and built for the bulk transportation of unrefined petroleum (crude oil) or other liquid oil products across oceans and seas.

Usage

The term "oil tanker" is used to describe the vessel itself, focusing on its primary function and design. It is a specific type of tanker ship. * The port can accommodate the largest oil tankers in the world. * An oil tanker was stranded off the coast after its engine failed. * The company operates a fleet of modern oil tankers.

Advanced Usage

• "Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC)" and "Ultra Large Crude Carrier (ULCC)": These are classifications for the largest classes of oil tankers, based on their deadweight tonnage (DWT).
  • The new shipyard specializes in constructing VLCCs (Very Large Crude Carriers).

Variants and Related Words

• Tanker (n): A broader term for any ship designed to carry liquid cargo in bulk, which can include oil tankers, chemical tankers, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers.
  • The harbor is closed to all tankers due to the storm.
• Supertanker (n): A colloquial term for a very large oil tanker, often a VLCC or ULCC.
  • The supertanker took several miles to come to a complete stop.

Synonyms

• Crude carrier
• Tanker ship

Related Phrases

• Oil spill: The accidental release of liquid petroleum into the environment, often associated with tanker accidents.
  • The oil tanker rupture caused a major oil spill.
• In ballast: Describes a tanker traveling empty or filled with seawater for stability after delivering its cargo.
  • The oil tanker is returning to the loading port in ballast.

Noun

1. a cargo ship designed to carry crude oil in bulk