Top 10 Oil Tanker Companies in the World
- Chandrama Vishawakarma
- Nov 15, 2023
- 11 min read
Updated: Aug 4
Table of Content
Introduction: The Unseen Veins of Global Energy Trade
Top 10 Oil Tanker Companies in the World (2025)
1. Teekay Corp: A Legacy of Adaptation and Sustainable Vision
2. Euronav: The Independent Crude Oil Transportation Specialist
3. Scorpio Tankers: A Leader in Product Tanker Logistics
4. Frontline: A Modern and Youthful Fleet at the Forefront
5. DHT Holdings: Specializing in VLCC Crude Transportation
6. Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN Ltd): Diversified Energy Carriers
7. BW Group: A Diversified Maritime Giant
8. TORM Tankers: Specialized in Clean Petroleum Products
9. Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL): Integrated Japanese Shipping Powerhouse
10. International Seaways Limited: A Global Crude & Product Carrier
Special Mention: TMC Shipping
Comparison For Top 10 Oil Tanker Companies in the World (2025)
Shipfinex's Perspective: Unlocking Investment in the Tanker Market's Future
The Unseen Veins: How Oil Tankers Fuel Our Modern World
Oil, the undisputed lifeblood of modern society, fuels our vehicles, generates electricity, and serves as the raw material for countless everyday products. Its journey from vast subterranean reservoirs to its final destination is an intricate global ballet, an immense logistical feat that relies on a specialized transportation infrastructure. Crude oil, extracted from remote sources, must be efficiently transported across vast distances, often spanning continents and oceans, before it can be refined and put to use.
Have you ever considered the sheer scale and complexity involved in moving billions of barrels across the high seas, and who are the giants making it happen?
This is where oil tanker companies come into play. These maritime titans operate fleets of specialized vessels designed to transport massive quantities of oil safely and efficiently across the globe. As global oil demand continues to rise, projected to reach over 103 million barrels per day by late 2025 , these companies stand at the forefront of technological advancements, ensuring that this precious resource reaches its destination reliably and on time. Today, we delve into the fleets and strategies of 10 such companies that have redefined the way oil is transported across the seven seas, making them the top oil tanker companies in the world.
List of Top 10 Oil Tanker Companies in the World (2025)
Teekay Corp: A Legacy of Adaptation and Sustainable Vision
Founded in 1973 by Danish Shipbroker Torben Karlshoej in Hamilton, Bermuda, Teekay Corp has transformed into one of the world's largest marine energy transportation, production, and storage companies. It consistently ranks among the largest tanker operators with a reported revenue of $2 billion and a market capitalization of $268.95 million.
Emerging during the oil crisis of the 1970s, Teekay capitalized on opportunities by operating second and third-hand oil tankers. Its profits surged in the 1980s during the Iran-Iraq war, as it courageously navigated the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean. Transitioning from a pure tanker operator to a major shipowner in the 2000s, Teekay expanded into critical sectors like gas and offshore ventures. Its diversified fleet, encompassing Aframax, Suezmax, VLCC, and LR2 vessels, transports liquefied natural gas, crude oil, and LPG. With assets valued at $2.23 billion, the company operates globally, serving countries across six continents.
Teekay's growing focus on the LNG sector aligns with sustainable values and support for a low-carbon world, evidenced by its participation in initiatives like the Vancouver Maritime Centre for Climate. Teekay Corp's evolution from crisis-driven beginnings to a sustainable future reflects its industry prowess, adaptability, and commitment to leading energy transportation into a greener era.
Euronav: The Independent Crude Oil Transportation Specialist
Euronav NV, based in Antwerp, Belgium, stands as a prominent independent tanker operator specializing in crude oil transportation and storage. Established in 1989, Euronav has solidified its status in the energy sector with a substantial $1.4 billion revenue, a remarkable market capitalization of $1.63 billion, and significant assets worth $3.71 billion.
Managing a fleet of 75 vessels, Euronav efficiently operates across both spot and period markets. Notably, its Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) are integral to the Tankers International Pool, one of the largest VLCC pools globally. The company's vessels proudly bear flags from countries such as France, Greece, Liberia, and Belgium, underpinning its global reach. Euronav's fleet management is efficiently orchestrated through its subsidiaries. The company's journey began through mergers and acquisitions, evolving into a major force in the global energy trade. Euronav's influence extends beyond its impressive fleet, as it consistently shapes the maritime landscape with innovation and commitment, playing a crucial role in global energy trade.
Scorpio Tankers: A Leader in Product Tanker Logistics
Scorpio Tankers Inc., a Monaco-based industry leader, distinguishes itself by focusing on transporting and distributing clean petroleum products globally. With a remarkable revenue of $958.1 million, a market capitalization of $700.64 million, and substantial assets worth $5.16 billion, it ranks among the top oil tanker companies worldwide for refined products.
Founded in 2009 by Emanuele A. Lauro, the company builds upon the legacy of Scorpio Ship Management. Traded on the New York Stock Exchange (STNG), Scorpio Tankers made significant strides through strategic acquisitions, notably merging with Navig8 product tankers in 2017 to acquire 27 newly-built LR tankers, emerging as the largest product tanker company listed on the US Securities Exchange. Scorpio Tankers boasts a fleet of 130 owned crude oil tankers and 10 chartered ships.
It has been actively augmenting its fleet with vessels that have a low carbon footprint, demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability and efficiency in the shipping industry.
Frontline: A Modern and Youthful Fleet at the Forefront
Frontline Ltd., headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, ranks as a leading oil tanker shipping enterprise globally. It boasts a robust revenue of $957.3 million, a market capitalization of $1.22 billion, and substantial assets valued at $3.134 billion.
Renowned for its modern and youthful fleet, Frontline is a key player in the maritime transportation of crude oil and refined goods. The company remains committed to environmental protection and innovation, actively researching energy-efficient maritime technologies to bolster its operations and profitability. Founded in 1985 under the stewardship of John Fredriksen, Frontline's strategic acquisitions have solidified its stature as a major oil tanker company.
The company is publicly listed on the Oslo and New York stock exchanges (FRO). Frontline's fleet includes 19 Very Large Crude Carriers, 29 Suezmax tankers, and 20 Aframax/LR2 tankers. With offices in major global hubs, Frontline's expansive presence aligns with its significant role in the global energy trade.
DHT Holdings: Specializing in VLCC Crude Transportation
DHT Holdings, a key player in the crude oil transportation sector, has established itself as a significant contender with its fleet of 27 VLCC oil tankers. The company's financial landscape is underpinned by a revenue of $535 million, bolstered by a market capitalization of about $941 million, and substantial assets valued at $1.68 billion.
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, DHT Holdings conducts its operations through proficient management entities in Monaco, Singapore, and Oslo. The construction of its oil tankers involves collaborations with respected shipbuilding entities globally. DHT Holdings' growth trajectory is marked by strategic acquisitions, notably the transformative step in 2017 with the procurement of BW Group's comprehensive VLCC fleet, which also elevated BW Group to a significant role as a major stakeholder.
In the intricate domain of crude oil transport, DHT Holdings stands as an independent trailblazer, catering to oil industry giants across VLCC, Aframax, and Suezmax segments.
Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN Ltd): Diversified Energy Carriers
Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN Ltd), based in Athens, Greece, is a key player in global crude oil and petroleum transportation. With a substantial revenue of $512.5 million, it stands as a leading tanker operator worldwide. The company boasts a versatile and highly efficient fleet comprising oil tankers and liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels. It made its entry into the LNG market with the operational launch of its LNG carrier, Neo Energy, in 2007, and further expanded into the shuttle tanker segment in 2016.
TEN Ltd has achieved impressive growth since its inception in 1993, and currently owns a fleet of 64 ships, including VLCCs, Suezmax, Aframax/LR2 tankers, Panamax, Handymax, LNG carriers, and DP2 shuttles. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Bermuda Stock Exchange (TNP/TEN), the company holds a market capitalization of $167.14 million and total assets valued at $3.156 billion. Notably, TEN Ltd boasts ownership of the finest 25 ice-class tankers globally, capable of navigating challenging weather conditions.
BW Group: A Diversified Maritime Giant
Established as a pivotal player in the maritime industry, BW Group has made its mark through engagement in shipping, floating infrastructure, deep water oil and gas production, and innovative sustainable technologies. The roots of BW Group trace back to the merger of two venerable entities, WW Shipping and Bergen Tankers.
Founded in 1955 by Sir YK Pao, BW Group has garnered eminence by orchestrating a fleet of over 490 vessels, instrumental in the transportation of oil, gas, and dry commodities. A remarkable highlight lies in its over 200 LNG and LPG ships, which collectively constitute the world's most extensive gas fleet. Notable companies in their portfolio include BW Offshore, BW LPG, BW Pacific, BW Energy, BW Dry Cargo, and BW Gas Solutions, showcasing a broad and diversified presence across the global energy trade.
TORM Tankers: Specialized in Clean Petroleum Products
TORM, a leading global shipping company, operates a wholly owned fleet of approximately 80 vessels strategically designed to transport energy and clean petroleum products from refineries to customers. With a range of sizes between 45,000 and 114,000 deadweight tons (DWT), TORM's dedicated fleet of product tankers ensures exceptional responsiveness and efficiency for its customers.
TORM has a strong presence across all major vessel classes in the product tanker market, with a particular emphasis on the LR2, LR1, and MR segments. These vessel classes have been chosen due to the significant synergies they offer, allowing TORM to optimize its operations and deliver enhanced value to its clients. By leveraging its operational expertise and specialized fleet, TORM has established itself as a market leader in the transportation of energy and clean petroleum products, earning a reputation for excellence in the shipping industry.
Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL): Integrated Japanese Shipping Powerhouse
Dating back to its inception in 1884, Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has emerged as a prominent Japanese shipping enterprise, securing a spot among the world's most substantial tanker operators with an impressive $10.6 billion in revenue. Recognized for its logistical proficiency, MOL boasts a fleet of over 800 vessels spanning various categories, including bulk cargo carriers, RORO ships, container ships, and LNG vessels. Its remarkable market capitalization of over $2.1 billion, coupled with substantial assets valued at $19.4 billion, underscores its significant presence in the maritime domain.
MOL's tanker fleet includes Very Large Crude Carriers (exceeding 200,000 DWT), Aframax tankers, and a young fleet of product and chemical tankers. A trailblazer in technology adoption, MOL operates methanol carriers with state-of-the-art dual-fuel engines and initiated the world's premier Very Large Ethane Carrier, collaborating with India's Reliance Industries Limited. MOL proudly claims the distinction of being the first Asian shipping company to operate an ice-class LNG carrier, cementing its position as an industry leader deeply rooted in history while steadfastly navigating toward the future of global energy trade.
International Seaways Limited: A Global Crude & Product Carrier
International Seaways Limited, founded in 2016 and headquartered in New York, stands as a major player in global tanker shipping. With a revenue of $366.184 million and a market capitalization of $491.42 million, the company's assets are valued at $1.712 billion. The firm operates a diverse fleet of 87 vessels, including VLCCs, Suezmax tankers, Aframaxes/LR2s, Panamaxes/LR1s, MR tankers, and Handy tankers.
Specializing in the marine transportation of crude oil and petroleum products, International Seaways also holds partial ownership of floating storage and offloading vessels (FSOs), enhancing its position in the energy transportation sector. With a workforce of 1,642 employees, International Seaways delivers technical solutions to meet the industry's demands, reinforcing its role among the top oil tanker companies globally.
Special Mention: TMC Shipping TMC Shipping operates a modern and well-maintained fleet covering both dry bulk and tanker vessels. Specializing in the MR2 segment for Clean Petroleum Products, TMC Shipping is known for ensuring cargoes reach even the most demanding destinations safely and efficiently.
Comparison For Top 10 Oil Tanker Companies in the World (2025)
Company | Business Focus & Specialization | Fleet Profile | Key Strengths & Vision |
Teekay Corp | A legacy company that has evolved into a leading marine energy transportation company. Specializes in mid-sized crude oil and clean product tankers (Suezmax, Aframax, LR2). | Operates a significant fleet of mid-sized tankers. Known for its quality, in-house ship management. | A long-standing reputation for reliability and dependability, with a global footprint and a focus on both crude and refined products. |
Euronav | An independent, publicly listed company specializing in the seaborne transportation of crude oil. | Primarily operates a large fleet of Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and Suezmax tankers. | One of the world's largest listed tanker companies, known for its focus on crude oil shipping and storage, with a relatively young fleet. |
Scorpio Tankers | A global leader focused on the transportation of refined petroleum products and chemicals. | Possesses a modern, fuel-efficient fleet of over 90 tankers, including LR2, MR, and Handymax vessels, with a high percentage of vessels equipped with scrubbers. | Emphasizes a modern, eco-friendly fleet and a commitment to ESG principles. Strong focus on refined product tankers. |
Frontline | A world leader in the seaborne transportation of crude oil and refined products. | Manages a large fleet of modern, fuel-efficient VLCCs, Suezmaxes, and LR2/Aframaxes. | Known for its young fleet with a focus on decarbonization and newbuilding investments, aiming for market leadership with high-quality assets. |
DHT Holdings | An independent crude oil tanker company with a specific focus on the VLCC segment. | Operates a fleet of Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and has newbuildings on order. | Specializes exclusively in VLCCs, employing a mix of time charters and spot market voyages to navigate business cycles and ensure stability. |
Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN Ltd) | A diversified energy carrier, transporting a wide range of products including crude oil, petroleum products, and LNG. | Manages a modern, diversified fleet of crude tankers, product tankers, and LNG carriers. | Known for its operational flexibility and a diversified fleet that can adapt to various energy transportation needs. |
BW Group | A diversified maritime giant with extensive interests across multiple segments. | Controls a massive fleet of over 450 vessels, including oil tankers, LNG carriers, LPG ships, and dry bulk carriers. | A global powerhouse with a highly diversified business model, including investments in floating infrastructure and sustainable technologies. |
TORM Tankers | Specializes in the transportation of clean petroleum products and chemicals. | Operates a modern fleet of around 80 product tankers, focusing on LR2, LR1, and MR vessel classes. | A long-standing company with a history dating back to 1889, known for its integrated "One TORM" business model that emphasizes operational efficiency and safety. |
Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) | An integrated Japanese shipping company with a vast and diversified fleet. | Operates one of the world's largest merchant fleets, including dry bulkers, tankers, LNG carriers, and car carriers. | A Japanese shipping powerhouse with a focus on global logistics, safety culture, and innovative technologies like next-generation bunkering vessels. |
International Seaways Limited | A global company transporting crude oil and refined petroleum products. | Owns and operates a large fleet of VLCCs, Suezmaxes, Aframaxes/LR2s, and MR tankers. | Has a strategic focus on both crude and product tankers, with a commitment to high operational standards and a diversified fleet to serve various markets. |
Shipfinex's Perspective: Unlocking Investment in the Tanker Market's Future
The insights into these top oil tanker companies reveal an industry characterized by massive scale, strategic operations, and continuous adaptation to global energy demands and environmental mandates. While investing directly in a VLCC or a fleet of MR tankers might seem out of reach for many, Shipfinex recognizes the immense value these maritime giants represent.
We believe the dynamism and consistent revenue generation of the tanker sector present compelling maritime investment opportunities. Shipfinex is pioneering solutions that democratize access to this historically exclusive market. Through fractional ownership of maritime assets, our platform enables investors to participate in global trade and potentially earn returns from operating vessels, including those in the tanker segment, for as little as $500. We transform the dream of being a tanker owner into a tangible reality, bringing transparency and accessibility to maritime investments.
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FAQs about Top Oil Tanker Companies
Who are some of the top oil tanker companies globally in 2025?
Leading global oil tanker companies include Teekay Corp, Euronav, Scorpio Tankers, Frontline, DHT Holdings, Tsakos Energy Navigation, BW Group, TORM Tankers, Mitsui OSK Lines, and International Seaways Limited.
How do oil tanker companies contribute to global energy trade?
They operate specialized fleets of vessels (VLCCs, Suezmaxes, Aframaxes) to transport massive quantities of crude oil, petroleum products, and chemicals across oceans, ensuring that energy resources reach refineries and consumers worldwide.
What technological advancements are oil tanker companies adopting?
Many are investing in dual-fuel propulsion (e.g., methanol), scrubbers, and energy-efficient designs to comply with environmental regulations and reduce their carbon footprint, aligning with the industry's decarbonization goals.
What are the different types of tankers operated by these companies?
They operate various types including Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) for crude oil, Suezmax and Aframax tankers for specific routes and capacities, and MR (Medium Range) tankers for refined petroleum products and chemicals.
How can an individual invest in the oil tanker market?
Traditionally, investment was limited to large institutions. However, platforms like Shipfinex are now enabling fractional ownership of maritime assets, including tankers, through tokenization, making it more accessible to individual investors.
