29/11/2024
What is the biggest ship ever built? Could it be sunk by an aircraft carrier or something similar to that?
The biggest ship ever built is the Seawise Giant, also known as the Knock Nevis, Happy Giant, Jahre Viking, or Mont. It was a supertanker that was built in 1979 and scrapped in 2010. It had a length of 1,504 feet (458 meters), a beam of 226 feet (69 meters), a draft of 81 feet (25 meters), and a displacement of 657,019 tons (595,214 metric tons).
The Seawise Giant was so big that it could not pass through the Suez Canal or the Panama Canal. It could only sail in the Indian Ocean, the Persian Gulf, and the South China Sea. It could carry up to 4.1 million barrels (650,000 cubic meters) of crude oil, which is equivalent to about 5% of the daily global oil consumption.
But could it be sunk by an aircraft carrier or something similar to that? The short answer is: yes, but not easily. The long answer is: it depends on the type and amount of weapons used, the location and angle of impact, and the damage control measures taken.
An aircraft carrier could potentially sink the Seawise Giant by using its aircraft or missiles to attack its hull, deck, or cargo tanks. But it would not be an easy task, as the Seawise Giant had a thick steel hull that could withstand some hits and explosions. It also had multiple cargo tanks that were separated by bulkheads and cofferdams that could prevent or slow down the leakage or ignition of oil.
The Seawise Giant also had some damage control measures, such as fire-fighting equipment, pumps, valves, and emergency generators. It also had a crew of about 40 people who could perform repairs or evacuation if needed.