MRC SEDEF (IMO 9335032) Table Bay, Cape Town
MRC SEDEF (IMO 9335032): Chemical and Product Tanker Profile
Discover MRC SEDEF (IMO 9335032), a medium-range chemical and product tanker. Explore her specifications, service history and role in global energy logistics.
MRC SEDEF (IMO 9335032)
The MRC SEDEF (IMO 9335032) is a modern chemical and oil products tanker operating in the international tanker sector, transporting refined petroleum products and chemical cargoes between major ports worldwide. Designed for efficiency, cargo flexibility, and compliance with international maritime regulations, the vessel plays an important role in supporting the global movement of liquid bulk commodities.Built in 2007 by the renowned Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan, South Korea, MRC SEDEF reflects the high engineering standards associated with one of the world's leading commercial shipbuilders. Originally launched as NCC RABIGH, the vessel was renamed MRC SEDEF in 2022 following a change in ownership and management. Today she sails under the Malta flag and continues to operate on international trade routes linking Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. (Shipspotting)
Vernon Chalmers Maritime Studies
Vessel Specifications
MRC SEDEF is classified as a chemical and oil products tanker, designed to transport multiple grades of refined petroleum products and liquid chemicals safely and efficiently.
Principal Specifications
Vessel Name: MRC SEDEF
IMO Number: 9335032
Ship Type: Chemical / Oil Products Tanker
Flag State: Malta
Port of Registry: Valletta
Year Built: 2007
Builder: Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, Ulsan, South Korea
Former Name: NCC RABIGH
Length Overall (LOA): 183.0 m
Beam: 32.2 m
Summer Draught: 12.2 m
Gross Tonnage: 29,575 GT
Deadweight: 45,951 DWT
Call Sign: 9HA5737
Classification Society: DNV (Shipspotting)
Built for the Refined Products Market
Unlike crude oil tankers that carry unprocessed petroleum, product tankers such as MRC SEDEF transport refined fuels and specialised liquid cargoes. These commonly include:
Diesel
Gasoline (Petrol)
Jet fuel
Marine fuels
Naphtha
Lubricating oils
Vegetable oils
Chemical products
Modern cargo systems enable the vessel to carry multiple products simultaneously while preventing cross-contamination between cargo tanks. This flexibility allows operators to respond efficiently to changing commercial demand and regional energy requirements. (VesselFinder)
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International Trading Routes
Throughout her operational career, MRC SEDEF has traded extensively between Europe, Africa, South America, North America and Asia. Tankers of this class routinely serve major petroleum terminals and industrial ports where refined products are imported or exported.
Her voyages illustrate the highly interconnected nature of global energy logistics. Rather than following fixed liner schedules like container ships, chemical and product tankers operate according to commercial charter agreements that change in response to market demand, refinery output and regional fuel consumption. (myShipTracking)
Operational Efficiency
With a deadweight approaching 46,000 tonnes, MRC SEDEF occupies the medium-range (MR) tanker segment, one of the most versatile classes within the global tanker fleet. Medium-range tankers offer an effective balance between cargo capacity and port accessibility, enabling them to call at a wide range of international terminals that cannot always accommodate larger vessels.
This operational flexibility has made MR tankers indispensable for regional distribution networks, particularly where refined petroleum products must be delivered efficiently to multiple destinations.
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Maritime Significance
For maritime observers visiting Table Bay, chemical and product tankers represent an important component of commercial shipping activity. While container ships often receive greater public attention because of their size and visible cargo, product tankers quietly sustain international commerce by delivering the fuels and chemicals that support transportation, manufacturing and industry.
Photographing vessels such as MRC SEDEF contributes to documenting the diversity of merchant shipping calling at Cape Town and highlights South Africa's continued importance within international maritime trade routes.
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Continuing Service
Nearly two decades after entering service, MRC SEDEF continues to demonstrate the longevity of well-designed merchant vessels. Through regular maintenance, classification surveys and compliance with international safety and environmental standards, ships of this generation remain valuable commercial assets.
Her continued operation reflects both the durability of South Korean shipbuilding and the ongoing global demand for safe, efficient transportation of refined petroleum products and chemical cargoes.
Conclusion
MRC SEDEF (IMO 9335032) represents the reliability and operational flexibility that define the modern medium-range tanker sector. Since her construction in 2007, she has supported international energy supply chains by transporting refined petroleum products and chemical cargoes across major global trading regions.
For ship photographers and maritime researchers, the vessel serves as another example of the specialised ships that underpin world commerce. Whether observed entering Table Bay or operating on international routes, MRC SEDEF illustrates the essential role of chemical and product tankers in maintaining the continuous flow of energy resources that sustain modern economies.
References
VesselFinder. (2026). MRC SEDEF (IMO 9335032) vessel particulars and voyage information. https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/details/9335032 (VesselFinder)
MyShipTracking. (2026). MRC SEDEF vessel information. https://www.myshiptracking.com/vessels/mrc-sedef-mmsi-256196000-imo-9335032 (myShipTracking)
Shipspotting.com. (2026). MRC SEDEF (IMO 9335032) vessel particulars. https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/3821700 (Shipspotting)
United States Coast Guard. (2025). Port State Control detention report: MRC SEDEF. https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/CG-5PC/CG-CVC/CVC2/psc/safety/detentions/202306/202306SOLAS_MrcSedef.pdf (dco.uscg.mil)
