MBT T2 tanker (1942-1945) (T2-SE-A1) - Construction Drawing Scale 1 : 200 (10.10.066)

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

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

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

Period: Built between 1942 and 1945, during WWII

Developer: United States, mainly by the American Maritime Commission

Number built: More than 500 units (of various T2 variants)

Use: Primarily for supplying Allied forces with fuel by sea

Characteristics of the T2-SE-A1 tanker

Characteristics and Use

The T2-SE-A1 was equipped 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 transport different types of oil and fuel simultaneously.

They were widely used to transport fuel to Allied troops 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 a number of notorious hull fractures due to metal fatigue in colder weather, which ultimately led to improvements in shipbuilding techniques.

Example 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.

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