In this study, experiments were performed using a model of a very large crude oil carrier (VLCC), which is a typical blunt ship, in a wave-making towing tank. The aim of the experiments was to determine the effect of added resistance in waves on the various operating conditions of a VLCC. An analysis of the results was conducted to determine the characteristics of resistance performance in waves. In addition, the characteristics of added resistance on a tanker were analyzed under irregular waves based upon the above result. The experimental results showed that added resistance was the highest around λ/L = 1.0, and the added resistance increased with the increase of the ship speed. Furthermore, under even keel conditions, the added resistance was higher than that under the trim changes, and the smallest added resistance was measured at the trim by the stern. Based on the experimental results, this study proposes effective operating conditions by analyzing the characteristics of the mean added resistance and the expected extreme response in irregular waves.