Tanker is the general term for ships carrying liquid cargo, but it splits into three main branches: crude oil tankers, product tankers (refined fuels), and chemical tankers. Each has a very different cargo profile and risk level.
Cargo characteristics
Crude tankers are usually massive (VLCC and ULCC classes can reach 200,000+ DWT) and carry a single cargo. Product tankers are smaller and multi-compartmented — they can carry several fuel types on the same voyage. Chemical tankers are the most complex: each tank may be dedicated to a different chemical, and loading/discharge procedures are far more tightly controlled.
Risks and challenges
- Fire and explosion risk is always at its highest here; hot-work permits (welding, etc.) are extremely strict.
- Tank cleaning is a heavy, technical job, especially on chemical tankers — meticulous procedures are needed to keep the next cargo from being contaminated.
- Inspection intensity. Tanker fleets are among the most frequently checked ship types in Port State Control (PSC) and company audits; there's no room for slack on documentation or procedure discipline here.
Career and salary expectations
Tanker experience is generally known as one of the highest-paying tracks in shipping — especially in the chemical and LPG/LNG segments. What's expected in return is high too: extra certifications (Tanker Familiarization, Chemical Tanker Endorsement) and a stricter approach to discipline. An officer or engineer with tanker experience on their CV holds an advantage when moving to other ship types — the reverse, moving from dry cargo straight into tankers, requires additional training.
This article is general information; procedures vary by ship type and company policy.