5. When planning the loading or discharging of a VLCC (100,000 DWT+) what is the most important consideration?

Maintaining hull bending moment limits is the primary safety consideration when planning VLCC loading or discharging operations. VLCC hulls act as beams, and exceeding allowable bending moment limits can cause structural damage or failure. Loading and discharging rates, draft, and trim are important but are managed to ensure bending moment limits are not exceeded.