At the start of the Second World War, many Royal Navy tankers were slow because their job was to move fuel between bases rather than accompany the fleet. Those economical voyages kept regional fleets supplied and made the bases usable. Modern commercial economics favors ever-larger or more specialized tankers, and only some can carry the fuel products that ships or land forces need. Hulls with suitable tanks, cargo compatibility, and size would become critical during a prolonged war. Strategic fuel distribution between bases is a different task from high-speed underway replenishment.
Notable Point · 24:42-26:06
Strategic tankers keep bases supplied
Slow tankers moving fuel between bases can be as important as fast fleet replenishment ships, but suitable commercial hulls are increasingly specialized.