MBT Tanker type T2-SE-A1; 1942–45) – Construction drawing, scale 1:500 (10.10.112)

The T2 tanker is a type of oil tanker that was designed and built in the United States during the Second World War, mainly between 1942 and 1945. The specific T2-SE-A1 model is the best known and most widely produced type within this class.

What is a T2 tanker (T2-SE-A1)?

Type: Oil tanker for the transport of fuel and petroleum products

Period: Built between 1942 and 1945, during the Second World War

Developer: United States, primarily by the US Maritime Commission

Number built: Over 500 vessels (of various T2 variants)

Use: Primarily for supplying Allied forces with fuel by sea

Features of the T2-SE-A1 tanker

Features and use

The T2-SE-A1 was fitted with a steam turbine, which gave the ship a reasonably high speed for its time (approx. 15 knots).

These tankers had a tank layout adapted to carry different types of oil and fuel simultaneously.

They were widely used to deliver fuel to Allied forces in Europe, the Pacific and elsewhere during the war.

After the war, many T2 tankers were sold to commercial shipping companies and converted for civilian use.

The ships had a reputation for reliability, but also suffered a number of notorious hull fractures due to metal fatigue in colder weather, which ultimately led to improvements in shipbuilding techniques.

Examples of ships

SS Mission San Miguel

SS Paul Hamilton

SS Fort Mercer

These ships were part of the large fleet of T2 tankers that supported the Allied war effort.

Specifications: