VLCC vs Suezmax vs Aframax — tanker size classes explained
The three main crude-oil-tanker size classes — VLCC, Suezmax, and Aframax. What each carries, where they operate, and career implications.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | VLCC Very Large Crude Carrier — the largest sea-going tankers. | Suezmax Fully-laden Suez Canal transit maximum. | Aframax Trans-Atlantic + regional crude + fuel oil. |
|---|---|---|---|
| DWT range | 200,000-320,000 | 150,000-200,000 | 80,000-120,000 |
| LOA typical | ~330 m | ~275 m | ~245 m |
| Crew size | 24-28 | 22-24 | 20-22 |
| Primary route | Arabian Gulf → Far East + long-haul crude | West Africa → Europe/US; Baltic → Europe | Baltic + Mediterranean + Caribbean regional |
| Master monthly wage (2025 indicative) | $14,000-19,000 | $13,000-17,000 | $11,000-15,000 |
| AB rating monthly wage | $2,000-2,500 | $1,900-2,300 | $1,800-2,200 |
| Contract length | 4 months officers, 6 months ratings | 4 months officers, 6 months ratings | 4 months officers, 6 months ratings |
| Fleet in service (2025) | ~900 | ~600 | ~1,000 |
Who each suits
- VLCC
Officers wanting long-sea-leg rotations + top tanker pay. Sleep-friendly UMS rotations. Career-defining berth.
- Suezmax
Officers wanting mid-scale tanker experience. Balance between VLCC deep-sea + Aframax regional variety.
- Aframax
Officers wanting frequent-port + regional variety. Baltic Aframax operators offer higher officer premiums due to ice-class.
Pros and cons
VLCC
Pros
- Highest crude-tanker pay.
- Long sea legs = good rest patterns.
- Large crew = workload distribution.
Cons
- Deep-sea routing means less shore leave.
- Modernised fleet means less job variety.
Suezmax
Pros
- Diverse routes.
- Full-Canal-transit specialisation valuable.
- Mid-scale career flexibility.
Cons
- Slightly below VLCC pay.
- Suez transit fees + waiting time.
Aframax
Pros
- Regional variety.
- Frequent port calls.
- Baltic ice-class specialism paid well.
Cons
- Lowest tanker pay of the three.
- Frequent port calls cut rest hours.
Common misunderstandings
- 'Aframax = Trans-Atlantic only.' The class originated from AFRA index but today Aframax operates in every ocean regionally.
- 'Suezmax now can't fit through Suez.' Some Neo-Suezmax hulls exceed original Suez Canal beam but sit within Suez Canal Authority-post-expansion limits.
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