The purpose of this study is to determine the proper fillet weld size for the stiffeners on hull bottom plate of crude oil tanker. To achieve it, the effective notch stress and hot spot stress of the fillet weld with leg length specified in the rule were evaluated by using comprehensive FE analyses. Based on the results, the fatigue damages at each location of weld were calculated. Meanwhile the transitional behavior of initial welding distortion in the hull bottom plate under the design conditions was investigated by using a non-linear FEA. Welding distortion and residual stress introduced during fabrication process were considered as initial imperfections. According to FE analysis results, if the fillet leg length satisfies the design criteria of the classification society, the concern on the root failure at the fillet welds in the bottom hull plate during the design life can be negligible. In addition, considering the transitional behavior of the distortion during the service life, the fillet leg length should be minimized.