Suezmax
A crude tanker (about 120,000–200,000 DWT) sized to the maximum that can transit the Suez Canal fully laden.
Suezmax tankers, roughly 120,000–200,000 DWT, are the largest crude carriers that can pass through the Suez Canal when fully laden, constrained mainly by draught and beam in the canal.
They bridge the gap between Aframax and VLCC tonnage and are heavily used on West Africa, Mediterranean and Black Sea crude trades.
On TheMaritime
Also known as: suezmax tanker.
Related terms
Aframax
A crude/product tanker of roughly 80,000–120,000 DWT, the largest size historically rated by the Average Freight Rate Assessment scale.
Very Large Crude CarrierVLCC
A crude oil tanker of roughly 200,000–320,000 DWT — the backbone of long-haul Middle East–to–Asia oil transport.
Deadweight TonnageDWT
The total weight a ship can carry — cargo plus fuel, stores, crew and water — at her load line, in metric tonnes.
Plain-English reference definition — our own explanation of a standard shipping concept, not a licensed source or legal advice. See the full glossary or the broader maritime dictionary.
Last reviewed: June 2026.