For smaller oil tankers, such as those with a capacity of around 50,000 deadweight tons (DWT), the construction time can be around 18 months to 2 years. For larger oil tankers, such as very large crude carriers (VLCCs) with a capacity of over 200,000 DWT, the construction time can be around 3 years or more.
Building an oil tanker involves several stages, including design, engineering, procurement of materials, fabrication of components, assembly, and testing. Each stage requires careful planning and coordination, and any delays or disruptions in the supply chain or production processes can affect the overall construction timeline.
Shipyards also have their own production schedules and workload, which can impact the construction time of an oil tanker. Some shipyards may have the capacity and resources to build multiple vessels simultaneously, while others may have limited resources and can only work on one or a few projects at a time.
Additionally, the availability of materials, such as steel and specialized components, can influence the construction timeline. If there are shortages or delays in obtaining the necessary materials, it can prolong the construction process.
Overall, while it is difficult to provide a precise timeline, the construction of an oil tanker can take several months to several years, depending on various factors.
