Aframax class tankers are largely used in the basins of the Black Sea, the North Sea, the Caribbean Sea, the South and East China Seas, and the Mediterranean. Non–OPEC exporting countries may require the use of this type of vessel because the harbors and canals through which these countries export their oil are too small to accommodate the larger Suezmax or the larger still very large crude carriers and ultra-large crude carriers.
Aframax class tankers are frequently used in the Black Sea, North Sea, Caribbean Sea, South China Sea, East China Sea, and Mediterranean basins. Non-OPEC exporting countries might need to use this type of vessel because their ports cannot accommodate larger Suezmax or very large crude carriers.