The Axel Spirit, a 62,929 gross-ton motor tanker owned by Axel Spirit, L.L.C. and operated by Teekay, was built in 2004. The vessel was classified as an Aframax-class tanker. Unlike very large and ultra large crude carriers that require wide channels and deep harbors, Aframax tankers can transit into most crude oil distribution ports. The Axel Spirit was double-hull, and tanks that were located next to its hull were void spaces or ballast tanks and did not hold any cargo or fuel oil.