Voyage estimate
VLCC voyage: Zafiro to Rotterdam
A VLCC carrying 270,000 tonnes from Zafiro to Rotterdam sails about 4,571 nm laden via the Dover Strait, about 15.2 days at 12.5 knots. With the ballast leg back and 4 days in port, the round voyage takes about 33.9 days and burns about 1,637 tonnes of fuel.
Round voyage
33.9 d
15.2 d laden
Laden distance
4,571 nm
Shortest route
Fuel (VLSFO)
1,637 t
Round voyage
CO2
5,159 t
2,580 t in EU ETS
Round voyage breakdown
| Leg | Distance | Speed | Days | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Laden Zafiro → Rotterdam | 4,571 nm | 12.5 kn | 15.2 | 838 t |
Ballast Rotterdam → Zafiro | 4,571 nm | 13 kn | 14.7 | 659 t |
Port time Loading and discharge | — | — | 4.0 | 140 t |
| Round voyage | 9,143 nm | 33.9 | 1,637 t |
Laden via the Dover Strait; ballast via the Dover Strait.
Emissions and EU ETS
The round voyage burns about 1,637 tonnes of VLSFO, emitting about 5,159 tonnes of CO2. One end of the voyage is in the EU ETS area, so half of the emissions at sea count, plus emissions at the EU berth: about 2,580 tonnes of CO2, or the same number of EU allowances.
From 2026 shipping companies surrender allowances for 100% of in-scope emissions. Who pays is for the charter party to say.
Assumptions
- Cargo
- 270,000 t
- Laden speed
- 12.5 kn at 55 t/day
- Ballast speed
- 13 kn at 45 t/day
- Port time
- 4 days at 35 t/day
- Laden draft
- 22.5 m
- CO2 factor
- 3.151 t per t fuel
Other ship sizes on this route
Questions
How long does a VLCC take from Zafiro to Rotterdam?
About 15 days 6 hours laden at 12.5 knots over 4,571 nm via the Dover Strait. The full round voyage, with the ballast leg back and 4 days in port, takes about 33.9 days.
How much fuel does a VLCC burn on this voyage?
About 1,637 tonnes of VLSFO for the round voyage (838 t laden, 659 t ballast, 140 t in port), emitting about 5,159 tonnes of CO2.
Is this voyage in the EU Emissions Trading System?
Yes. One end is in the EU ETS area, so half the sea emissions count, plus emissions at the EU berth: about 2,580 tonnes of CO2, which means the same number of EU allowances to surrender.