Very Large Crude Carrier, a tanker with a deadweight tonnage typically between 200,000 and 320,000 DWT, primarily used for transporting crude oil on long-haul routes. VLCCs are too large to transit the Suez Canal when fully laden.
Also known as: Very Large Crude Carrier.
Category: Ship Types & Classification
On The Maritime
The desks where this concept is measured.
In the Glossary
Very Large Crude CarrierVLCC
A crude oil tanker in the largest actively traded class: the backbone of long-haul Middle East to Asia oil transport.
Read the full explanation in the GlossaryRelated terms
More in Ship Types & Classification
Post-PanamaxAny vessel too large to transit the original Panama Canal locks but able to pass through the expanded Neopanamax locks opened in 2016.Product TankerA tanker designed to carry refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and naphtha.ReeferA refrigerated cargo vessel designed to transport temperature-sensitive perishable commodities such as fruit, meat, fish, and dairy products.Ro-RoRoll-on/Roll-off vessel designed for cargo that is driven on and off the ship on wheels, such as cars, trucks, trailers, and heavy machinery.SupramaxA dry bulk carrier with a deadweight tonnage between 50,000 and 65,000 DWT, usually fitted with cranes capable of handling 30 tonnes or more.TugA powerful, compact vessel designed to assist larger ships by towing or pushing them during berthing, unberthing, and manoeuvring in ports and confined waterways.
Back to DictionaryEntry updated May 2026