VLCC vs Suezmax vs Aframax

Comprehensive comparison of the three main crude oil tanker classes. Understand the differences in capacity, draft requirements, operating costs, and route suitability for West African trades.

Last updated: 25 August 2026 | Analysis by Calmwaters Shipping team

Vessel Specifications Comparison

Specification	VLCC	Suezmax	Aframax
Full Name	Very Large Crude Carrier	Suezmax	Aframax
DWT Range	200,000-320,000	120,000-200,000	80,000-120,000
Typical DWT	280,000	160,000	100,000
LOA	330-340m	270-300m	220-250m
Beam	58-62m	45-50m	32-40m
Draft	20-22m	17-18m	14-15m
Cargo Capacity	~2,000,000	~1,000,000	~600,000
Cost per Barrel	$0.50-1.00	$0.80-1.50	$1.20-2.50
Speed	14-16 knots	14-15 knots	13-15 knots
Fuel Consumption	80-100 tonnes/day	55-70 tonnes/day	40-55 tonnes/day
Crew	20-25	18-22	16-20
Build Cost	$100-130 million	$60-80 million	$40-55 million
Annual Operating Cost	$8-12 million	$6-9 million	$5-7 million

Vessel Profiles

VLCC

Very Large Crude Carrier

DWT:200,000-320,000

Capacity:~2,000,000

Draft:20-22m

Cost/barrel:$0.50-1.00

Build cost:$100-130 million

Suezmax

DWT:120,000-200,000

Capacity:~1,000,000

Draft:17-18m

Cost/barrel:$0.80-1.50

Build cost:$60-80 million

Aframax

DWT:80,000-120,000

Capacity:~600,000

Draft:14-15m

Cost/barrel:$1.20-2.50

Build cost:$40-55 million

Route Suitability

Route	Distance	Transit Time	Best Vessel	Reason
Bonny → Far East (China/India)	11,000-12,000 nm	32-38 days	VLCC	Maximum economies of scale for long-haul
Bonny → Rotterdam	4,500-5,000 nm	13-16 days	Suezmax	Optimal size for Europe routes
Bonny → US Gulf	5,500-6,000 nm	16-19 days	Suezmax	Efficient for Americas routes
Bonny → Mediterranean	3,500-4,000 nm	10-13 days	Aframax	Shorter route, smaller parcels
Forcados → Rotterdam	4,200-4,700 nm	12-15 days	Suezmax	Efficient for Europe routes
Forcados → Mediterranean	3,200-3,700 nm	9-12 days	Aframax	Shorter route, flexible scheduling
Bonny → Singapore	10,500-11,500 nm	30-36 days	VLCC	Maximum cargo for Far East
Regional WAF Trades	500-2,000 nm	2-7 days	Aframax	Flexibility for shorter routes

Terminal Compatibility

Terminal	Draft	Max Vessel	Facilities	Operator
Bonny Terminal	25m	VLCC	SPM, 3 export berths	NAPIM
Forcados Terminal	22m	VLCC	SPM, export pipeline	Shell
Onne FOT	13m	Suezmax	Oil & gas, offshore supply	NPA
Lagos Tin Can	25m	VLCC	Container, tanker	TICT
Lagos Apapa	13.5m	Suezmax	Container, tanker	APMT
Warri	6.4m	Handysize	General cargo, petroleum	INTELS
Calabar	7.0m	Handysize	Break bulk, container	ECM

When to Use Each Vessel Class

Use VLCC When:

• Cargo volume exceeds 1 million barrels
• Long-haul route (Far East, Americas)
• Terminal can accommodate 20m+ draft
• Maximising cost per barrel efficiency
• Large crude export programs

Use Suezmax When:

• Cargo volume is 500,000-1 million barrels
• Medium-haul route (Europe, Americas)
• Terminal has 15-18m draft
• Balancing capacity and flexibility
• Regular West Africa-Europe trades

Use Aframax When:

• Cargo volume is 300,000-600,000 barrels
• Short-haul or regional routes
• Terminal has 12-15m draft
• Smaller parcel sizes
• Flexible scheduling needed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between VLCC, Suezmax, and Aframax?

The three main crude oil tanker classes differ primarily in size and cargo capacity: VLCC (200,000-320,000 DWT) carries ~2 million barrels on long-haul routes; Suezmax (120,000-200,000 DWT) carries ~1 million barrels on medium routes; Aframax (80,000-120,000 DWT) carries ~600,000 barrels on shorter regional trades. Draft requirements also vary: VLCC ~20m, Suezmax ~17m, Aframax ~14m.

Which tanker is best for crude oil exports from Nigeria?

For Nigerian crude oil exports, the choice depends on destination: VLCCs are most efficient for long-haul routes to Far East and Europe; Suezmax for medium routes to Europe and Americas; Aframax for shorter regional trades and smaller parcels. Nigerian terminals like Bonny and Forcados can accommodate VLCCs, while smaller terminals may require Suezmax or Aframax vessels.

What are the draft requirements for tankers at Nigerian ports?

Draft requirements vary by vessel class and port: VLCCs require ~20m draft (limited to deepwater terminals like Bonny and Forcados); Suezmax requires ~17m draft (can use Onne FOT and Lagos Tin Can); Aframax requires ~14m draft (can use Lagos Apapa and Onne). Warri and Calabar ports have shallow drafts (6.4-7.0m) and cannot accommodate large tankers.

What is the cost per barrel for each tanker class?

Freight costs per barrel decrease with vessel size due to economies of scale: VLCC has the lowest cost per barrel (~$0.50-1.00/barrel on long-haul routes); Suezmax has medium cost (~$0.80-1.50/barrel); Aframax has the highest cost (~$1.20-2.50/barrel). However, smaller vessels may be more economical for shorter routes or smaller parcels.

Which tanker class is most common in West Africa?

Suezmax tankers are the most common crude carrier in West Africa due to their versatility, large enough for efficient cargo loads yet small enough to access most regional terminals. VLCCs are increasingly used for large crude exports from Bonny and Forcados. Aframax tankers dominate regional trades and smaller parcel sizes.

What are the main routes for each tanker class from West Africa?

VLCC routes: Bonny-Far East, Forcados-Europe, Bonny-China (long-haul). Suezmax routes: Bonny-Europe, Forcados-Med, Bonny-US Gulf (medium-haul). Aframax routes: Bonny-Med, regional West African trades, Bonny-India (shorter-haul). Route choice depends on cargo volume, terminal constraints, and market conditions.

Need Help Choosing the Right Tanker?

Our team at Calmwaters Shipping can help you select the optimal tanker class for your specific cargo, route, and budget. We have access to a global fleet of VLCC, Suezmax, and Aframax tankers and can negotiate competitive rates on your behalf.

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