The incredible engineering of oil & gas tankers

Oil and gas tankers are engineering marvels designed to transport huge quantities of oil and gas safely across the world's oceans, ensuring smooth and efficient transport of essential energy resources. Here's a look at oil and gas tanker engineering, exploring their design, features, the crews that operate them and their importance in global trade.

Overview of Oil & Gas Tankers

Oil and gas tankers are specialised ships built to transport crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) across large distances. They come in different sizes, from smaller coastal tankers to the massive Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCCs). Each type of tanker is designed to handle specific cargo types and quantities, following strict safety and environmental regulations.

Design and Construction of Tankers

Modern day design and construction of oil and gas tankers combines advanced materials, technology and meticulous planning.

Hull Design: Modern tankers have double-hulled designs for extra protection against spills, with reinforced hulls to withstand ocean pressures.

Ice-Class Feature: Some oil tankers are equipped with ice-class features, enabling them to navigate icy waters, such as the Arctic (between −1.8°C to -1.5°C). These tankers are crucial for transporting oil in freezing temperatures.
Single Point Mooring Systems: These vessels connect to a submerged buoy or platform, allowing for the transfer of oil without the need to anchor, which reduces the risk of accidents.
Dynamic Positioning Systems: Advanced tankers may have dynamic positioning systems (a computer-controlled system) using thrusters and GPS to maintain their position without traditional anchoring, especially useful during loading and unloading.
Crawl Passages: Spaces between the hull and tank are accessible via crawl passages, allowing engineers to service these areas, including spaces directly beneath the tank.
Emergency Shutdown Systems (ESD): These systems ensure quick shutdowns in emergencies, ceasing cargo operations and isolating liquefied natural gas (LNG) to prevent risks. This involves the deactivation of various systems and components associated with LNG handling, such as loading and unloading mechanism and isolating storage tanks.

Crew Behind the Vessels

Operating an Oil & Gas tanker requires a highly skilled crew.

The crew includes technicians, mechanics and marine workers, each playing a crucial role in the safe and efficient operation of the vessel. Crew members are required to understand not only the technical aspect of the vessel, but also the safety protocols and environmental regulations of the specific tanker.

Cargo handling expertise is essential for crews to safely transport, load and unload LNG. They manage cargo stability and monitor temperature and pressure, following specific procedures to ensure safety.
Safety and emergency training includes firefighting, emergency procedures and the use of safety equipment like lifeboats. Crews also learn collision avoidance, navigating restricted waters and advanced navigation techniques.
Environmental protection training educates crews on regulations and best practices to minimise environmental impact. This includes waste disposal procedures and compliance with international standards.
Simulator trainings are used to recreate real-life scenarios, allowing crews to practice emergency response, navigation and cargo handling in a controlled environment.
Medical training is crucial for crews to manage health issues at sea, ensuring they are prepared for any medical situations that may arise.

At Brunel, we have several vacancies in Asia for critical positions, offering opportunities for skilled professionals to join our team and contribute to the success of upcoming project. Check out the various vacancy details here!

Importance in International Trade

Oil & Gas tankers facilitate the movement of energy resources from production sites to markets worldwide, ensuring a steady supply of oil and gas reaches consumers. The operation of these tankers is essential in maintaining the flow of energy that powers our daily lives, from fueling transportation to powering industries.

China: A Global Powerhouse in Oil and Gas Shipping

Shanghai Port, operated by the Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG), is the largest port in the world by cargo volume, underscoring China’s dominance in global trade.
China’s major oil and gas shipping ports include Qingdao, Tianjin, Dalian, Yingkou, and Nantong, playing pivotal roles in the country’s energy logistics.
Ningbo-Zhoushan and Shanghai Ports are among the busiest globally, handling significant volumes of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), with crude oil imports valued at 153.48 billion Yuan.
Dalian Port specializes in the reloading of refined oils, coal, grain, and mineral oil, and is connected to over 300 ports in 160 countries. It ranks as China’s second-largest transshipment hub, serving over 90 trade routes.
China recently completed a colossal offshore oil and gas platform in Qingdao, which is capable of delivering 24 million tonnes of oil annually from Saudi Arabia’s Marjan oil field—a significant breakthrough in China's large-scale offshore engineering capabilities.

China’s extensive port network, advanced infrastructure, and cutting-edge engineering achievements reinforce its position as a global hub in the oil and gas industry.

Sailing Ahead

As we continue to rely on oil and gas for our energy and daily needs, the importance of these incredible vessels and the people who operate them cannot be underestimated. The intricate engineering involved in the transport of these essential resources play a crucial role in global trade and our daily lives.

At Brunel, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities within the oil and gas industry. Whether you’re seeking top-tier talent for your projects or need expert guidance on workforce solutions, our team is here to help you navigate the complexities of the sector.

Ready to elevate your projects with professional support? Contact Brunel today to discover how we can connect you with the specialists you need to drive success!