When the subject of large ships comes up, the first thing on most people’s minds is the Titanic. Although the legendary cruise liner was indeed impressive for its time, the shipping industry has since come up with numerous contenders that far surpass the Titanic in sheer size and grandeur. Here then is a list of the top 10 largest ships that have ever charted the oceans.
10
MS Vale Brasil
Capacity: 400,000 tons
The MS Vale Brasil is the flagship of the Vale mining company out of Brazil. It is currently the largest bulk and iron ore carrier in the world and was designed specifically for transporting iron ore from Brazil to Asia. The Vale Brasil is capable of handling nearly 400,000 tons of deadweight.
9
Jarmada class
Capacity: 380,000 tons
The Jarmada class was built to transport oil to numerous destinations around the world. Capable of speeds of nearly 16 knots and measuring 1,225 feet in length, the Jarmada class was in service for more than 3 decades before being put out of commission in 2008.
8
Globtik Tokyo
Capacity: 484,000 tons
The Globtik Tokyo was first pressed into service in February of 1973. At the time, it was one of the biggest oil tankers in existence, with a capacity of nearly 484,000 tons. Measuring 1,243 feet in length, the Globtik Tokyo could reach speeds of up to 17 knots.
7
TI class Oceania supertanker
Capacity: 440,000 tons
More than just a cargo supertanker, the Oceania is an impressive example of ship design in its own right. Built primarily for the purpose of transporting crude oil, the Oceania has a deadweight capacity of approximately 440,000 tons.
6
Emma Mærsk
Capacity: 159,000 tons
Of all the ships in this list, the Emma Mærsk is the only one still in service to this day. When it was first unveiled in 2006, the Emma Mærsk was the largest container ship in existence. It has a deadweight tonnage capacity of nearly 159,000, and was capable of speeds of up to 26 knots, which is still impressive to this day.
5
Esso Atlantic
Capacity: 516,000 tons
The Esso Atlantic is a certified legend in the shipping industry. With an impressive 35-year record in service, the massive oil tanker is capable of handling deadweight of nearly 516,000 tons. The Esso measured 1,334 feet in length and could reach speeds of up to 16 knots.
4
Prairial (supertanker)
Capacity: 550,000 tons
The Prairial was first unveiled in 1979 as the fourth and final Batillus class supertanker. It was capable of hauling 550,000 tons of deadwight, which is still an impressive capability to this day. The Prairial measured 1,359 feet in length and was capable of speeds of up to 16 knots.
3
Batillus
Capacity: 554,000 tons
The Batillus was first pressed into service in 1976. The first in the Batillus class of supertankers, the Batillus was one of the world’s biggest ships at the time. It was capable of handling deadweight tonnage of nearly 554,000 tons, and could reach speeds of up to 17 knots.
2
Pierre Guillaumat (supertanker)
Capacity: 554,000 tons
The Pierre Guillaumat was the 2nd biggest ship that has ever been built, although it had a very short run. Built in 1977, the Pierre Guillaumat had a deadweight capacity of almost 555,000 tons, and was capable of attaining speeds of up to 16 knots. The Pierre Guillaumat measured nearly 1,360 feet in length.
1
Seawise Giant
Capacity: 657,000 tons
The Seawise Giant is the biggest ship that has ever been built. A supertanker that had a displacement of more than 657,000 tons, the Seawise Giant was both the longest ship and the largest self-propelled object that has ever been built.