Suezmax
A crude tanker sized to the maximum that can transit the Suez Canal fully laden.
- Category
- Vessel Size and Tonnage
- Deadweight
- 120,000 to 200,000 DWT
- Dictionary entry
- Suezmax
- Last reviewed
How it works
Suezmax tankers are the largest crude carriers that can pass through the Suez Canal when fully laden, constrained mainly by draught and beam in the canal.
They bridge the gap between Aframax and VLCC tonnage and are heavily used on West Africa, Mediterranean and Black Sea crude trades.
Where it shows up on The Maritime
Also known as: suezmax tanker.
The short dictionary definition is at Dictionary entry: Suezmax. This page is the explainer.
Related terms
Aframax
A crude and product tanker class named for the Average Freight Rate Assessment scale, sized for regional and medium-haul trades.
Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC)
A crude oil tanker in the largest actively traded class: the backbone of long-haul Middle East to Asia oil transport.
Deadweight Tonnage (DWT)
The total weight a ship can carry (cargo plus fuel, stores, crew and water) at her load line, in metric tonnes.
More vessel size and tonnage terms
A plain-English reference definition: our own explanation of a standard shipping concept, not a licensed source or legal advice. See the full glossary or the broader maritime dictionary.
Last reviewed: .