Tanker Ship For Sale

M/T LADY YASSO

M/T LADY YASSO

Location: AG/REDSEA / SPORE

Size: 12498DWT

Built Year: 2007

Price: $-

M/T LADY YASSO - PANAMA FLAG
Abt 12,498 dwt on 8.51m
Blt 10/2007, Samho Shipbuilding Co Ltd - Tongyeong, KOREA
ABS - SS 10/2027 / DD 11/2025
Tank coating Epoxy Phenolic /IMO II
Tanks 14 Liquid 98% 13,067 Cbm
127.2m LOA 20.43m Beam
GRT 8,473mt /NRT 3,924mt
MAN-MAN B&W 6S35MC, 6,037 bhp @ 173 rpm
GENS 3 x 560kw
CARGO PUMPS 12 x 300m3/h
LDT 4,300

Trading AG/REDSEA / SPORE
M/T LADY OF DORIA

M/T LADY OF DORIA

Location: China

Size: 46846DWT

Built Year: 2006

Price: $-

M/T LADY OF DORIA - BANGLADESH FLAG
Abt 46,846 dwt on 12.8m
Blt 7/2006, Naikai Zosen Corp - Onomichi HS (Setoda Shipyard), JAPAN
ABS - SS 07/2026 / DD 11/2024
Tank coating Epoxy /IMO III
Tanks 14 Liquid 98% 52,018 Cbm
179.9m LOA 32.23m Beam
GRT 28,245mt /NRT 12,822mt
MAN-MAN B&W 6S50ME-C, 12,889 bhp @ 127 rpm
GENS 3 x 850kw
CARGO PUMPS 4 x 800m3/h
LDT 8,836

DPP trading
Trading FE - inspectable at Zhoushan 18-20th November.
she is in China.
M/T KYRA

M/T KYRA

Location: Pengarang

Size: 47931DWT

Built Year: 2006

Price: $-

M/T KYRA - LIBERIA FLAG
Abt 47,931 dwt on 12.07m
Blt 1/2006, Iwagi Zosen Co Ltd - Kamijima EH, JAPAN
ABS - SS 01/2026 / DD 01/2026
Tank coating Zinc Silicate /IMO III
Tanks 14 Liquid 98% 52,960 Cbm
185.93m LOA 32.23m Beam
GRT 31,090mt /NRT 12,150mt
MAN-MAN B&W 7S50MC-C, 15,037 bhp @ 127 rpm
GENS 3 x 900kw
CARGO PUMPS 4 x 900m3/h
LDT 10,433

ETA Pengarang 14th December 2025. There after can give tc free delivery in Singapore-Japan range.
M/T KUBA

M/T KUBA

Location: -

Size: 8974DWT

Built Year: 2007

Price: $-

M/T KUBA - GUINEA-BISSAU FLAG
Abt 8,974 dwt on 6.8m
Blt 11/2007, Linhai Jianghai Shipbuilding Co Ltd - Linhai ZJ, CHINA
ABS - SS 03/2029 / DD 11/2026
Tanks 12 Liquid 98% 9,874 Cbm
123.9m LOA 18m Beam
GRT 5,683mt /NRT 2,867mt
MAN-Daihatsu 8DKM-28, 3,400 bhp @ 750 rpm
M/T KORSARO

M/T KORSARO

Location: Portugal and Azores Islands.

Size: 25997DWT

Built Year: 2008

Price: $-

M/T KORSARO - MALTA FLAG
Abt 25,997 dwt on 10.55m
Blt 6/2008, Cicek Tersanesi - Tuzla, TURKEY
ABS - SS 08/2028 / DD 12/2025
Tank coating Siloxirane (MarineLINE) /IMO II
Tanks 16 Liquid 98% 29,530 Cbm
169.9m LOA 25.4m Beam
GRT 17,644mt /NRT 8,082mt
MAN-MaK 9M43C, 12,236 bhp @ 500 rpm
GENS 1 x 1164kw (Sft), 3 x 800kw
CARGO PUMPS 10 x 445m3/h, 4 x 280m3/h
LDT 7,593

trading within Portugal and Azores Islands.
M/T KITION M

M/T KITION M

Location: CPP

Size: 74995DWT

Built Year: 2006

Price: $-

M/T KITION M - PANAMA FLAG
Abt 74,995 dwt on 14.48m
Blt 8/2006, Minaminippon Shipbuilding Co Ltd - Usuki OT (Shitanoe Shipyard), JAPAN
ABS - SS 08/2026 / DD 08/2026
Tank coating Epoxy
Tanks 15 Liquid 98% 81,854 Cbm
228m LOA 32.29m Beam
GRT 40,964mt /NRT 22,259mt
MAN-MAN B&W 6S60MC, 16,642 bhp @ 105 rpm
GENS 3 x 660kw
CARGO PUMPS 3 x 2000m3/h
LDT 13,151

CPP trading LR1
M/T KESTREL

M/T KESTREL

Location: India

Size: 45999DWT

Built Year: 2002

Price: $-

M/T KESTREL - INDIA FLAG
Abt 45,999 dwt on 12.38m
Blt 1/2002, Onomichi Dockyard Co Ltd - Onomichi HS, JAPAN
ABS - SS 09/2026 / DD 12/2024
Tank coating Epoxy
Tanks 16 Liquid 98% 50,332 Cbm
182.5m LOA 32.23m Beam
GRT 28,539mt /NRT 12,385mt
MAN-MAN B&W 6S50MC, 11,801 bhp @ 127 rpm
GENS 3 x 800kw
CARGO PUMPS 4 x 1000m3/h
LDT 9,249


Trading CPP
Vessel trading in India where she is inspectable.
M/T KARADENIZ POWERSHIP AYBERK BEY

M/T KARADENIZ POWERSHIP AYBERK BEY

Location: WAF

Size: 12934DWT

Built Year: 2006

Price: $-

M/T KARADENIZ POWERSHIP AYBERK BEY - LIBERIA FLAG
Abt 12,934 dwt on 8.71m
Blt 4/2006, Samho Shipbuilding Co Ltd - Tongyeong, KOREA
ABS - SS 04/2026 / DD 07/2024
Tank coating Epoxy Phenolic /IMO II
Tanks 14 Liquid 98% 13,074 Cbm
127.2m LOA 20.43m Beam
GRT 8,450mt /NRT 4,030mt
MAN-MAN B&W 6S35MC, 6,060 bhp @ 173 rpm
GENS 3 x 450kw
CARGO PUMPS 12 x 300m3/h
LDT 4,298

Vessels are trading WAF where they are inspectable by arrangement and can deliver 30 days after MOA singing.
Itinerary – Presently Conakry, Guinea.
M/T KARADENIZ POWERSHIP ARYA SULTAN

M/T KARADENIZ POWERSHIP ARYA SULTAN

Location: WAF

Size: 12910DWT

Built Year: 2006

Price: $-

M/T KARADENIZ POWERSHIP ARYA SULTAN - LIBERIA FLAG
Abt 12,910 dwt on 8.71m
Blt 1/2006, Samho Shipbuilding Co Ltd - Tongyeong, KOREA
ABS - SS 01/2026 / DD 01/2026
Tank coating Epoxy Phenolic /IMO II
Tanks 14 Liquid 98% 13,074 Cbm
127.2m LOA 20.43m Beam
GRT 8,450mt /NRT 4,030mt
MAN-MAN B&W 6S35MC, 6,060 bhp @ 173 rpm
GENS 3 x 490kw
CARGO PUMPS 12 x 300m3/h
LDT 4,322

Vessel are trading WAF where they are inspectable by arrangement and can deliver 30 days after MOA singing.
Itinerary – Presently Conakry, Guinea.
M/T K R A

M/T K R A

Location: Oman

Size: 4999DWT

Built Year: 2008

Price: $-

M/T K R A - GABON FLAG
Abt 4,999 dwt on 5.9m
Blt 4/2008, Zhejiang Fangyuan Ship Industry Co Ltd - Linhai ZJ, CHINA
ABS - SS 04/2028 / DD 06/2026
Tanks 12
101.9m LOA 16m Beam
GRT 3,686mt /NRT 1,250mt
MAN-Guangzhou 8320ZC, 2,801 bhp @ 525 rpm
GENS 2 x 250kw

Currently located Oman Gulf where inspectable.
M/T K ONSET

M/T K ONSET

Location: CPP

Size: 12902DWT

Built Year: 2006

Price: $-

M/T K ONSET - LIBERIA FLAG
Abt 12,902 dwt on 8.7m
Blt 3/2006, Samho Shipbuilding Co Ltd - Tongyeong, KOREA
ABS - SS 07/2029 / DD 06/2024
Tank coating Epoxy Phenolic /IMO II
Tanks 14 Liquid 98% 13,074 Cbm
127.2m LOA 20.43m Beam
GRT 8,450mt /NRT 4,030mt
MAN-MAN B&W 6S35MC, 6,060 bhp @ 173 rpm
GENS 3 x 450kw
CARGO PUMPS 12 x 350m3/h
LDT 4,330

Trading CPP cargoes
M/T JOVIAN

M/T JOVIAN

Location: AG-far east

Size: 20601DWT

Built Year: 2001

Price: $-

M/T JOVIAN - PANAMA FLAG
Abt 20,601 dwt on 9.82m
Blt 5/2001, Fukuoka Shipbuilding Co Ltd - Fukuoka FO, JAPAN
ABS - SS 05/2026 / DD 05/2026
Tank coating Stainless Steel /IMO II
Tanks 22 Liquid 98% 20,468 Cbm
144.03m LOA 24.23m Beam
GRT 11,515mt /NRT 6,302mt
MAN-Mitsubishi 6UEC52LA, 9,600 bhp @ 133 rpm
GENS 3 x 480kw
CARGO PUMPS 22 x 200m3/h
LDT 5,320

c/free dely AG-far east range before end of Dec 2025
M/T JN IRIS

M/T JN IRIS

Location: -

Size: 12922DWT

Built Year: 2009

Price: $-

M/T JN IRIS - KOREA FLAG
Abt 12,922 dwt on 8.66m
Blt 3/2009, STX Shipbuilding Co Ltd - Busan, KOREA
ABS - SS 03/2029 / DD 03/2024
Tank coating Epoxy /IMO II
Tanks 12 Liquid 98% 13,685 Cbm
120m LOA 20.43m Beam
GRT 8,242mt /NRT 3,723mt
MAN-MAN B&W 6S35MC, 6,037 bhp @ 173 rpm
GENS 3 x 450kw
CARGO PUMPS 10 x 300m3/h
LDT 3,746
M/T JIAN HANG TAI DA

M/T JIAN HANG TAI DA

Location: -

Size: 11974DWT

Built Year: 2010

Price: $-

M/T JIAN HANG TAI DA - CHINA FLAG
Abt 11,974 dwt on 7.58m
Blt 7/2010, Jiujiang Yinxing Shipbuilding Co Ltd - Xingzi County JX, CHINA
ABS - SS 07/2025 / DD 07/2023
Tank coating Epoxy /IMO II
Tanks 12 Liquid 98% 13,897 Cbm
134.85m LOA 22.03m Beam
GRT 8,525mt /NRT 3,829mt
MAN-Wartsila 9L32, 6,118 bhp @ 750 rpm
GENS 2 x 670kw
CARGO PUMPS 10 x 300m3/h
LDT 4,490
M/T JAG PUSHPA

M/T JAG PUSHPA

Location: DPP

Size: 47848DWT

Built Year: 2007

Price: $-

M/T JAG PUSHPA - INDIA FLAG
Abt 47,848 dwt on 12.43m
Blt 4/2007, STX Shipbuilding Co Ltd - Changwon (Jinhae Shipyard), KOREA
ABS - SS 05/2030 / DD 05/2028
Tank coating Epoxy /IMO III
Tanks 14 Liquid 98% 52,148 Cbm
183m LOA 32.23m Beam
GRT 29,909mt /NRT 12,487mt
MAN-MAN B&W 6S50MC-C, 12,889 bhp @ 127 rpm
GENS 3 x 900kw
CARGO PUMPS 12 x 520m3/h
LDT 9,832

Vessel is trading DPP.

Tanker Ship For Sale

Tanker Ship for Sale — Buy Used Tanker Vessels Worldwide

APS Shipbrokers offers one of the world's most comprehensive selections of used tanker ships for sale — from 1,000 DWT coastal tankers to 400,000 DWT ultra-large crude carriers (ULCC). Whether you are an experienced shipowner expanding your fleet or a first-time buyer entering the tanker market, our global network connects you with the right vessel at the right price, backed by full brokerage, inspection, and ship finance support.

The tanker sector is the second-largest segment of the global fleet by number of large vessels, comprising approximately 16,000 vessels — including 8,445 crude oil tankers, 6,259 chemical tankers, and 2,258 LNG carriers — representing over 444 million DWT of total capacity. This is a deep, liquid market with strong opportunities for buyers at every level.

All Types of Tanker Ships for Sale — Complete Size Range

Our tanker inventory spans every major vessel category, continuously updated from owners and shipyards worldwide. We source vessels built in Japan, South Korea, China, and Europe to match your trade route, port requirements, and investment objectives.

Product Tanker Ships for Sale

  • Small Product Tankers (1,000 – 10,000 DWT) — Ideal for coastal trading, regional distribution, and specialised chemical transport. Perfect for short-sea shipping and port-restricted routes.
  • Handysize Product Tankers (10,000 – 25,000 DWT) — Excellent operational flexibility with access to smaller ports and terminals. Suited 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) — The global standard for international clean product trades. Access major loading and discharge terminals worldwide with strong resale demand.

Crude Oil Tanker Ships for Sale

  • Panamax Tankers (60,000 – 80,000 DWT) — Transit the original Panama Canal. Versatile for both crude and clean product carriage across regional trades.
  • Aframax Tankers (80,000 – 120,000 DWT) — Dominate cross-regional crude trades including the North Sea, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and West Africa. Strong charter demand and market liquidity.
  • Suezmax Tankers (120,000 – 200,000 DWT) — Maximise Suez Canal efficiency. Transport crude from the Middle East Gulf, West Africa, and other key producing regions.
  • VLCC — Very Large Crude Carriers (200,000 – 320,000 DWT) — The backbone of long-haul crude oil transportation. Lowest per-barrel freight costs on major global routes.
  • ULCC — Ultra Large Crude Carriers (320,000+ DWT) — Specialised ultra-long-haul trades with unmatched economies of scale.

Chemical Tanker Ships for Sale

Our 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 include multiple segregated cargo tanks, advanced heating and cooling systems, and tank materials (epoxy, zinc, stainless steel) suitable for carrying acids, vegetable oils, industrial chemicals, and other sensitive liquid cargoes.

Tanker Ship Price Guide — Secondhand Market 2025

Used tanker prices vary by vessel age, size, shipyard, survey status, and prevailing market conditions. The table below reflects current indicative secondhand values.

Vessel Type Size (DWT) Indicative Price Range Key Trading Areas
Handysize Product Tanker 10,000 – 25,000 USD 5 – 12 million Coastal, regional, short-sea
MR1 / MR2 Product Tanker 25,000 – 55,000 USD 15 – 50 million International clean product trades
Aframax Tanker 80,000 – 120,000 USD 25 – 55 million North Sea, Mediterranean, Caribbean
Suezmax Tanker 120,000 – 200,000 USD 35 – 75 million Middle East, West Africa, Europe
VLCC 200,000 – 320,000 USD 70 – 130 million Long-haul crude, Middle East–Asia
Chemical Tanker 3,000 – 40,000 USD 4 – 40 million Global chemical and product trades

Prices are indicative only. Final valuation depends on vessel age, condition, class survey status, flag state, and current freight market conditions. Contact our brokers for a current market assessment.

Tanker Market Outlook 2026

The global tanker shipping market continues to experience strong demand driven by energy trade flows, fleet renewal programmes, environmental regulations, and changing geopolitical trading patterns. Demand for tanker ships for sale remains particularly active across product tankers, crude oil tankers, chemical tankers, and eco-design tanker vessels. Many shipowners continue to favour a used tanker ship for sale due to faster delivery timelines compared with newbuilding orders, allowing immediate entry into the charter market and quicker return on investment.

Why Buy a Used Tanker Ship Instead of Ordering New?

Newbuilding orders typically carry a 24–36 month construction timeline. Pre-owned tankers can be acquired and deployed within weeks, giving buyers a decisive commercial advantage:

  • Immediate availability — Capitalise on freight market opportunities without waiting years for delivery.
  • Competitive pricing — Documented operational histories allow accurate benchmarking at lower entry cost than newbuilds.
  • Proven performance records — Vessels with established vetting, PSC, and operational histories reduce commercial risk.
  • Flexible investment options — Buy with an existing time charter for immediate income, or free of charter for full operational control.
  • Ship finance available — LTV ratios of 50–70% from specialist maritime lenders. Charter-backed acquisitions attract better terms.

Critical Factors to Consider When Buying a Used Tanker Ship

Vessel Age and Condition

Tanker age directly affects purchase price, operating costs, charter employment options, and remaining economic life:

  • Modern vessels (0–5 years) — Premium pricing, latest technology, fuel efficiency, and broadest charter employment options including oil major vetting.
  • Mid-age vessels (5–15 years) — Balanced acquisition cost and remaining commercial life. The most active segment of the secondhand market.
  • Older tonnage (15–25 years) — Lower entry price but higher maintenance costs and limited oil major charter employment. Requires thorough technical evaluation.

Special Survey and Drydocking Status (SS/DD)

A vessel that has recently completed its Special Survey and drydocking commands a valuation premium, as the buyer avoids near-term capital expenditure on surveys and repairs. Vessels approaching their next SS/DD are typically discounted to reflect upcoming costs and off-hire time.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

Always verify full compliance before committing to any tanker purchase:

  • Double Hull Construction — Mandatory for all crude tankers.
  • IMO Type II/III Classification — Essential for chemical tankers and many product tankers.
  • MARPOL Annex I/II Compliance — Full compliance required for trading.
  • Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) — Mandatory; retrofitted systems are accepted.
  • EEDI/EEXI Requirements — Affects operational flexibility on certain routes.
  • IMO 2020 Fuel Compliance — Approved scrubbers or confirmed low-sulphur fuel capability required.

Shipyard Provenance and Build Quality

  • Japanese-built tankers — Premium quality construction, strong long-term reliability, and highest resale values.
  • Korean-built tankers — Advanced technology, strong resale value, and wide market acceptance.
  • Chinese-built tankers — Quality varies significantly by yard; careful yard selection and full technical review required.
  • European-built tankers — Specialised smaller vessels with strong niche market value.

Cargo Tank Configuration

Tank design determines which cargoes a vessel can carry and which trades it can access:

  • Number of segregated cargo tanks (typically 8–16 depending on vessel size)
  • Tank coating type — epoxy, zinc, or stainless steel
  • Heating coil capacity for viscous cargoes
  • Cargo pump capacity and redundancy
  • Inert gas system specification and condition

Draft and Trading Flexibility

  • Coastal and river trades: 6–8 metres draft
  • Regional trades: 10–12 metres draft
  • Deep-sea trades: Up to 22 metres draft

Pre-Purchase Inspections for Used Tankers

A thorough pre-purchase inspection protects your investment and reduces post-delivery risk. APS Shipbrokers coordinates all inspection steps on your behalf:

  • Physical survey by an independent marine surveyor — Full condition assessment of hull, machinery, and accommodation
  • Cargo tank condition assessment — Coating integrity, structural condition, and cleanliness
  • Steel thickness measurements — Identifies hidden corrosion or structural degradation
  • Machinery performance review — Main engine, auxiliaries, cargo pumps, and steering
  • Class records review — Confirms survey status and any outstanding conditions
  • Vetting history review — SIRE inspection records essential for oil major employment
  • Underwater hull inspection — Diver or ROV assessment of hull, propeller, rudder, and sea chests

Documents Required to Buy a Tanker Ship

Before signing any Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), request the following from the seller:

  • Certificate of Registry
  • Class certificates and current survey status (ABS, DNV, LR, BV, or NK)
  • Safety Management Certificate (SMC) and Document of Compliance (DOC)
  • IOPP Certificate and full MARPOL compliance records
  • Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) certification
  • Cargo tank coating history and last inspection reports
  • Drydock and Special Survey records
  • Last 5 years of PSC inspection history
  • P&I insurance records
  • Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR)
  • Engine, deck, and Oil Record logbooks
  • SIRE vetting inspection reports

The Tanker Ship Purchase Process — Step by Step

  1. Vessel Identification — Our brokers identify suitable tankers matching your size, age, trade route, and budget from our continuously updated global database.
  2. Physical Inspection — Your surveyor or our appointed independent marine surveyor boards the vessel at a convenient port. No obligation to proceed.
  3. Pre-Purchase Survey — Full condition report covering hull, cargo tanks, machinery, and class records produced by an independent surveyor.
  4. Negotiation & MOA — Commercial terms agreed and documented using the internationally recognised Norwegian Saleform (NSF 2012). Maritime lawyer review is strongly recommended before signing.
  5. 10% Deposit — Buyer pays 10% of the agreed purchase price into a mutually agreed escrow account upon MOA signing.
  6. Delivery & Title Transfer — Balance paid on delivery. Protocol of Delivery and Acceptance signed. All certificates, logbooks, and documents handed over to the new owner.

Tanker Ship Operating Costs (OPEX) — Daily Budget Guide

Post-acquisition operating expenses vary by vessel size, flag state, and management structure. Below are indicative daily OPEX ranges:

Vessel Type Indicative Daily OPEX Main Cost Drivers
Handysize Product Tanker USD 6,000 – 8,000 / day Crew, insurance, maintenance
MR Tanker (MR1 / MR2) USD 7,000 – 9,500 / day Crew, P&I, dry-dock reserves
Aframax Tanker USD 9,000 – 12,000 / day Crew, maintenance, management
Suezmax Tanker USD 10,000 – 14,000 / day Crew, H&M insurance, repairs
VLCC USD 12,000 – 18,000 / day Large crew, high insurance, OPEX scale

On a time charter, voyage costs including bunkers and port dues are borne by the charterer. OPEX above covers owner-side running costs only.

Ship Finance for Tanker Vessel Purchases

Financing is readily available for qualified buyers through specialist maritime lenders including DNB, DVB, ABN AMRO, Hamburg Commercial Bank, and Asian leasing houses. Loan-to-value (LTV) ratios typically range from 50% to 70%, with more favourable terms available when a creditworthy time charter is attached to the vessel. Sale and leaseback structures are also available for buyers seeking off-balance-sheet financing.

APS Shipbrokers provides ship finance advisory services to help identify the most appropriate financing structure for your tanker acquisition.

Frequently Asked Questions — Tanker Ship for Sale

What documents are required to buy a used tanker ship?

When purchasing a used tanker, buyers require: Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), class certificates (ABS, DNV, LR, BV, NK), P&I insurance records, trading certificates, IOPP and MARPOL certificates, BWTS certification, drydock and special survey records, cargo tank coating history, and the last 5 years of operational and PSC inspection records. APS Shipbrokers guides buyers through complete documentation review before contract signing.

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

The timeline typically ranges from 2–4 weeks for negotiation to MOA signing, and 30–60 days from inspection to delivery. Used tanker purchases are significantly faster than newbuilding orders, which carry a 24–36 month construction timeline.

What is the typical operating cost of a tanker ship?

Daily OPEX varies by vessel size: Handysize Product Tanker USD 6,000–8,000/day, MR Tanker USD 7,000–9,500/day, Aframax USD 9,000–12,000/day, and VLCC USD 12,000–18,000/day. Costs include crew wages, insurance, maintenance, lubricants, and management fees.

Can I get financing to buy a tanker ship?

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

What inspections should be done before buying a used tanker?

Recommended inspections include a physical survey by an independent marine surveyor, cargo tank condition assessment, steel thickness measurements, machinery performance review, class records review, vetting history (SIRE inspections for oil major employment), and an underwater hull inspection by diver or ROV. This process significantly reduces post-delivery technical risk.

What is the difference between MR1 and MR2 tankers?

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 international clean petroleum product trading and carry stronger resale demand worldwide. MR2s are typically considered the more liquid investment of the two.

Are older tanker ships a good investment?

Older tanker ships (15+ years) offer lower purchase prices and faster payback in strong freight markets, but they come with higher maintenance costs and limited employment opportunities with oil majors who require SIRE-vetted, younger tonnage. A thorough technical evaluation and survey cost assessment is essential before committing to older vessels.

What affects tanker ship resale value?

Resale value is driven by vessel age, shipyard reputation (Japanese and Korean-built vessels consistently command a premium), special survey status, freight market cycle, environmental compliance, engine type, and fuel efficiency. Scrubber-fitted and dual-fuel vessels are increasingly attracting valuation premiums in the current market.

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

Crude tankers carry unrefined oil in large, undivided cargo tanks and are typically larger vessels — Aframax, Suezmax, and VLCC. Product tankers carry refined petroleum products and feature multiple segregated cargo tanks with coated interiors, giving them greater trading flexibility across different product types.

What is required for chemical tanker operations?

Chemical tankers require IMO Type II or Type III classification, specialised coated or stainless steel cargo tanks, advanced cargo heating systems, and strict safety compliance. They require more sophisticated technical and commercial management than crude or product tankers, but command premium freight rates for specialised liquid cargoes.

How do market cycles impact tanker ship prices?

Tanker asset prices fluctuate based on global oil demand, freight rate earnings, geopolitical factors such as sanctions and route disruptions, and vessel supply levels. Buying during periods of weak freight rates typically results in lower acquisition prices and stronger long-term returns when the market cycle recovers.

What is the best tanker size to invest in?

The optimal size depends on your trading strategy, risk appetite, available port infrastructure, and capital availability. MR2 and Aframax vessels are widely considered the most balanced investment choices due to their market liquidity, broad charter demand, and accessible price points relative to larger vessels.

Why Choose APS Shipbrokers for Tanker Acquisitions?

APS Shipbrokers combines global market intelligence, extensive owner relationships, and technical expertise to help buyers identify the right tanker vessel for their commercial objectives. Our services include vessel sourcing, market analysis, technical due diligence, valuation support, contract negotiations, financing assistance, and transaction management.

Whether you are searching for a product tanker for sale, chemical tanker for sale, crude oil tanker for sale, Aframax tanker, Suezmax tanker, or VLCC, our brokerage team provides independent guidance throughout the acquisition process.

Types of Tanker Vessels Available

Our global network provides access to:

  • Product Tankers for Sale
  • Chemical Tankers for Sale
  • Crude Oil Tankers for Sale
  • Handysize Tankers for Sale
  • MR1 Tankers for Sale
  • MR2 Tankers for Sale
  • Panamax Tankers for Sale
  • Aframax Tankers for Sale
  • Suezmax Tankers for Sale
  • VLCC Tankers for Sale
  • Double Hull Tankers for Sale
  • Eco-Design Tanker Vessels
  • Charter-Attached Tankers
  • Japanese-Built Tankers
  • Korean-Built Tankers

About APS Shipbrokers — Tanker Vessel Specialists

APS Shipbrokers is a full-service maritime brokerage firm with deep expertise in the sale and purchase of tanker vessels of all types and sizes. Our tanker brokerage team maintains the industry's most comprehensive database of available used tankers, updated daily, and provides end-to-end support including technical assessments, pre-purchase inspections, negotiations, documentation review, and delivery coordination.

Beyond tankers, our team has broad experience across all major vessel types — including LPG and LNG carriers, container ships, bulk carriers, MPP vessels, general cargo ships, offshore support vessels (OSV), platform supply vessels (PSV), anchor handling tugs (AHTS), Ro-Ro carriers, and livestock carriers. By closely tracking market trends and asset values across all sectors, we ensure clients receive timely, well-informed guidance at every stage of the transaction.

Whether you are acquiring a single vessel or executing a fleet expansion strategy, our global network ensures access to the best available opportunities across all tanker sizes, ages, flag states, and specifications. Contact our specialist tanker brokers today for personalised guidance and exclusive listings tailored to your commercial requirements.