Definition

1. Noun:
   • The largest class of oil tankers: A "supertanker" is a very large ship specifically designed for the bulk transport of crude oil or other petroleum products. These vessels are among the largest movable man-made structures.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The new supertanker can carry over two million barrels of oil.
  • Environmentalists are concerned about the risks of a supertanker spill.
  • The canal was widened to accommodate supertankers.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in discussions about global energy logistics, maritime safety, and environmental protection due to the significant cargo capacity and potential impact of these vessels.
  • The economics of oil shipping rely heavily on the efficiency of the supertanker fleet.

Variants and Related Words

• Tanker (noun): A ship designed to carry liquids in bulk. A supertanker is a specific, very large type of tanker.
• VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) (noun): A common industry classification for a large supertanker.
• ULCC (Ultra Large Crude Carrier) (noun): An industry classification for the very largest supertankers.

Synonyms

• Oil tanker: A general term for ships carrying oil.
• Crude carrier: A ship that transports unrefined petroleum.

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning of "supertanker" is defined by its immense size and function. It is not typically used metaphorically. The prefix "super-" explicitly denotes its classification as the largest in its category.

Noun

1. the largest class of oil tankers