Liquid cargo needs specialized ships. A tanker is a ship designed to carry bulk liquid cargo—crude oil, refined products, chemicals, or liquefied gas—in enclosed tanks that form part of the hull structure.

Tankers are fitted with pumps, pipelines, inert gas systems, and segregation arrangements appropriate to their cargo. Size ranges from small coastal product tankers to ultra-large crude carriers. Loading and discharge use shore or ship pumps and must control stress, stability, and vapor emission.

Safety and pollution prevention dominate tanker design and operation. Double hulls, closed loading, and strict procedures reduce the risk of spills and explosions. A well-run tanker moves enormous quantities of energy and chemicals with a high degree of reliability.

• Ship built to carry bulk liquid cargo
• Includes oil, product, chemical, and gas carriers
• Equipped with pumps, inert gas, and segregation
• Operated under strict safety and pollution rules