The Largest Ship in the World

Updated February 23, 2017 | Factmonster Staff

The Question:

What is the largest ship afloat today in the world?

The Answer:

The largest ship afloat today is the oil tanker Jahre Viking (originally called Seawise Giant). It measures 1,504 feet (458 meters) long and 225 feet (69m) wide.

It can hold about 1.2 billion pounds (550 million kilograms) of oil. Although it can cruise at a speed of about 15 knots, it is very difficult to maneuver. A ship of the Viking's size may travel over three miles (5 km) in the course of making an emergency stop.

-The Fact Monster

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