Tanker Ship For Sale

Complete Guide to Buy Tanker ship

Buy Used Tanker ship for sale Worldwide

The tanker sector ranks as the second-largest segment of the global fleet when measured by the number of large vessels. according to the windship This approximately around 16000 tankers vessels including 8,445 crude oil tankers, 6,259 chemical tankers, and 2,258 LNG carriers. In terms of capacity, these segments represent about 305.3 million dwt for crude tankers, 51.4 million dwt for chemical tankers, and 88.0 million dwt for LNG carriers—together accounting for just under 20% of the world fleet’s total tonnage.
Crude oil tankers are further divided into several key categories based on size, ranging from smaller Handy/SR units of around 25,000–39,000 dwt to the largest ULCCs exceeding 320,000 dwt. This wide range allows the sector to serve different trade routes and cargo requirements efficiently across global markets.

Welcome to the APSShipbrokers's comprehensive resource for purchasing used tanker vessels. Whether you're an experienced ship owner looking to expand your fleet or a first-time buyer entering the tanker market, we offer an extensive selection of quality pre-owned tankers ranging from 1,000 DWT coastal tankers to 400,000 DWT VLCCs. Our inventory spans all major tanker categories, ages, and specifications to meet diverse operational requirements and investment objectives.

Understanding the Tanker ship for sale Market

The used tanker ship market offers exceptional opportunities for buyers seeking proven vessels with established performance records at competitive prices. Unlike newbuilding, used tankers provide immediate availability, allowing you to capitalize on market opportunities without the typical 24-36 month construction timeline. Apsshipbrokers portfolio includes vessels from the world's most reputable shipyards in Japan, South Korea, China, and Europe, ensuring quality construction and long-term reliability.

All sizes of Tanker Ship for sale Available

Product Tankers Different Sizes

• Small Product Tankers (1,000 - 10,000 DWT): Ideal for coastal trading, regional distribution, and specialized chemical transport. Perfect for operators focusing on short-sea shipping and port-restricted routes.
• Handy size Product Tankers (10,000 - 25,000 DWT): Offer excellent operational flexibility with access to smaller ports and terminals. Suitable for refined petroleum products, vegetable oils, and clean petroleum products.
• MR1 Medium Range Tankers (25,000 - 45,000 DWT): Optimal balance between cargo capacity and port accessibility. Highly sought for cross-regional product trades.
• MR2 Medium Range Tankers (45,000 - 55,000 DWT): Dominate international clean product trades. Access major loading and discharge terminals worldwide.

Crude Oil Tanker ship Sizes

• Panamax Tankers (60,000 - 80,000 DWT): Transit the original Panama Canal dimensions, serve regional crude oil trades, versatile for crude and clean product carriage.
• Aframax Tankers (80,000 - 120,000 DWT): Dominate cross-regional crude trades including the North Sea, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and West Africa.
• Suezmax Tankers (120,000 - 200,000 DWT): Maximize Suez Canal transit, transport crude efficiently from Middle East Gulf, West Africa, and other regions.
• VLCC - Very Large Crude Carriers (200,000 - 320,000 DWT): Backbone of long-haul crude oil transportation, lowest per-barrel costs on major routes.
• ULCC - Ultra Large Crude Carriers (320,000+ DWT): Specialized trades, unmatched economies of scale for ultra-long-haul crude transportation.

Chemical Tanker Ship for sale

Apsshipbrokers chemical tanker inventory includes coated vessels with sophisticated cargo handling systems, ranging from small parcel tankers of 3,000 DWT to large chemical carriers exceeding 40,000 DWT. Features multiple segregated cargo tanks, advanced heating/cooling systems, and materials suitable for carrying acids, vegetable oils, chemicals, and other sensitive liquid cargoes.

Critical Factors to Consider Buying a Used Tanker Ship for sale

Age and Condition Assessment

Tanker age affects purchase price, operational costs, charter employment, and remaining economic life:

• Modern vessels (last 5 years) – premium price, latest technology, fuel efficiency.
• Mid-age (5-15 years) – balanced acquisition cost and commercial life.
• Older tonnage (15-25 years) – lower price but requires careful technical evaluation.

Special Survey and Drydocking Status (SS/DD)

The vessel's survey status affects valuation and operational readiness. Fresh from drydock vessels command premiums; approaching survey vessels trade at discounts reflecting upcoming costs.

IMO Classification and Environmental Compliance

Always consider these points before buying a tanker vessel, at Apsshipbrokers we always here to assist

• IMO II/III Compliance: Essential for chemical tankers and many product tankers.
• Double Hull Construction: Mandatory for crude tankers.
• MARPOL Compliance: Full compliance with Annex I/II.
• Ballast Water Management: BWTS mandatory, retrofitted systems accepted.
• EEDI/EEXI Requirements: Affects operational flexibility.
• IMO 2020 Compliance: Approved scrubbers or low-sulfur fuel required.

Shipyard Provenance and Construction Quality of the tanker ship

• Japanese-Built Tankers: Premium quality, long-term reliability.
• Korean-Built Tankers: Advanced technology, strong resale value.
• Chinese-Built Tankers: Quality varies; careful yard selection required.
• European-Built Tankers: Specialized smaller vessels with strong niche value.

Draft and Trading Flexibility of the tanker ship

Maximum draft determines route flexibility and port accessibility:

• Coastal and river trades: 6-8 meters draft
• Regional trades: 10-12 meters draft
• Deep-sea trades: up to 22 meters draft

Cargo Tank Configuration

• Number of cargo tanks (8-16 depending on size)
• Tank coating types (epoxy, stainless steel, zinc)
• Heating coil capacity for viscous cargoes
• Pumping system capacity and redundancy
• Inert gas system specifications

Pricing Dynamics in the Used Tanker ship for sale

Used tanker prices vary by age, size, shipyard, survey status, and market conditions. Mid-age Aframax: $25-40M, Suezmax: $35-55M, VLCC: $70-90M, older Handysize: $5-8M.

Why Choose APS Tanker Brokerage to buy a tanker ship

We maintain the industry's most comprehensive database of available used tankers , updated daily. Our brokers provide technical assessments, inspections, negotiations, and full support through documentation and delivery.

Whether you are looking for a single vessel or fleet expansion, our global network ensures access to the best opportunities across all tanker sizes, ages, and specifications. Contact us anytime to discuss your requirements and move forward to your next tanker purchase with confidence.

Ready to explore our current tanker ship list? Contact our specialized tanker brokers today for personalized guidance and exclusive listings.

Frequently Asked Questions – Buying a Tanker Ship

Question 1: What documents are required to buy a used tanker ship?

Answer: When purchasing a used tanker vessel, buyers typically require Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), Class certificates (ABS, DNV, LR, BV, NK), P&I insurance records, Trading certificates, IOPP & MARPOL certificates, BWTS certification, Drydock and special survey records, Cargo tank coating history, and Last 5 years operational and PSC inspection records. At APS Shipbrokers, we guide buyers through complete documentation review before contract signing.

Question 2: How long does it take to complete a tanker ship purchase?

Answer: The timeline usually ranges between 2–4 weeks for negotiation to MOA signing and 30–60 days for inspection to delivery. Used tanker purchases are significantly quicker than newbuilding orders.

Question 3: What is the typical operating cost of a tanker ship?

Answer: Operating expenses depend on vessel size. Approximate daily OPEX includes Handysize Product Tanker $6,000–$8,000/day, MR Tanker $7,000–$9,500/day, Aframax $9,000–$12,000/day, and VLCC $12,000–$18,000/day. Costs include crew, insurance, maintenance, lubricants, and management.

Question 4: Can I get financing to buy a tanker ship?

Answer: Yes. Tanker vessels can be financed through marine banks, private ship finance companies, leasing companies, Asian leasing houses, and sale & leaseback arrangements. Financing typically covers 50–70% of vessel value depending on age and buyer profile. APS Shipbrokers can connect buyers with reputable marine finance providers.

Question 5: What inspections should be done before buying a used tanker?

Answer: Recommended inspections include physical survey by a marine surveyor, cargo tank condition assessment, steel thickness measurements, machinery performance review, review of class records, and vetting history (SIRE inspections for oil majors). This reduces post-delivery technical risks.

Question 6: What is the difference between MR1 and MR2 tankers?

Answer: MR1 tankers (25,000–45,000 DWT) are smaller and more port-flexible. MR2 tankers (45,000–55,000 DWT) are the global standard for clean petroleum product trading and have stronger resale demand worldwide.

Question 7: Are older tanker ships a good investment?

Answer: Older tanker ships (15+ years) offer lower purchase prices and faster returns in strong markets, but they have higher maintenance costs and limited charter employment with oil majors. Careful technical evaluation is required.

Question 8: What affects tanker ship resale value?

Answer: Resale value depends on vessel age, shipyard reputation (Japan & Korea hold premium), special survey status, market cycle, environmental compliance, engine type, and fuel efficiency.

Question 9: What is the difference between a crude oil tanker and a product tanker?

Answer: Crude tankers carry unrefined oil and are larger vessels such as Aframax, Suezmax, and VLCC. Product tankers carry refined petroleum products and have multiple segregated tanks for greater trading flexibility.

Question 10: What is required for chemical tanker operations?

Answer: Chemical tankers require IMO Type II or Type III classification, specialized coated or stainless steel tanks, advanced cargo heating systems, and strict safety compliance. They require more technical management than crude tankers.

Question 11: How do market cycles impact tanker ship prices?

Answer: Tanker prices fluctuate based on global oil demand, freight rate earnings, geopolitical tensions, and ship supply levels. Buying during weak freight markets often results in lower asset prices and stronger long-term returns.

Question 12: What is the best tanker size to invest in?

Answer: The best size depends on trading strategy, risk appetite, port access, and capital availability. MR2 and Aframax vessels are often considered balanced investments due to liquidity and charter demand.

APSSHIPBROKERS Expertise

We also have strong expertise across a broad spectrum of vessel types, including LPG and LNG carriers, offshore units, container vessels, bulk carriers, MPP vessels, container ,bulk carrier and general cargo ships. Our team combines deep market knowledge with hands-on experience to support clients in sourcing, evaluating, and executing transactions across these segments. By closely tracking market trends and asset values, we ensure our clients receive timely and well-informed guidance.
Whether for sale and purchase or chartering requirements, we deliver tailored solutions that match specific commercial and operational needs. From niche offshore assets to mainstream container and bulk fleets and livestock carrier ships, our global network enables us to connect the right opportunities with the right partners like ship finance and investment. This diversified expertise allows us to provide consistent value and reliable support across all major sectors of the shipping industry.

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