Aframax is a classification of oil tankers that are designed to carry crude oil and other petroleum products. These vessels typically have a deadweight tonnage (DWT) ranging from 80,000 to 120,000 tons. Aframax tankers are often used for transporting oil over short to medium distances, making them ideal for regional trade routes. The name "Aframax" is derived from the Average Freight Rate Assessment (AFRA), which is a system used to calculate freight rates for tankers. Aframax ships are popular due to their size, which allows them to access ports that are too shallow for larger vessels like Suezmax or VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) tankers.