A VLCC (100,000 DWT+) with a 30,000 Shaft Horsepower Steam Turbine is slow to respond to engine movements and has less stopping power than normal ships because it has a __________.

Correct Answer: Option D — smaller power to weight ratio

Large vessels like VLCCs have massive displacement relative to their installed horsepower. This low power-to-weight ratio results in significant inertia. Because the engine cannot generate enough reverse thrust to quickly overcome the vessel's momentum, the ship exhibits sluggish response times and requires much greater distances to come to a stop.