VLCCs

VLCC stands for Very Large Crude Carrier, a class of oil tanker optimized for long-range transport of crude oil. VLCCs have a deadweight tonnage typically in the 200,000 to 320,000 tonnes range and can carry roughly 2 million barrels of crude oil, depending on density.

Length is about 330 meters, with a beam near 60 meters and a deep draught. Propulsion is usually a single low-speed diesel engine driving a fixed-pitch propeller; service speeds range around 14–15 knots, with slower speeds used on ballast voyages to conserve fuel. Many VLCCs built since the 1990s use double-hull designs to reduce spill risk, and are equipped with ballast water treatment systems.

VLCCs operate on global routes, moving crude from production heartlands such as the Persian Gulf, West Africa, and the Americas to major refining centers in Asia, Europe, and North America. They typically pass through the Suez Canal, the Cape of Good Hope, or alternate routes depending on economics and season. The design allows efficient movement of large volumes, making them a cornerstone of the oil shipping market.

Construction and regulation: VLCCs are built in large shipyards in East Asia and Europe, and are classified by major societies such as Lloyd's Register, DNV, or ABS. They comply with international rules under SOLAS and MARPOL, including double-hull requirements for new oil carriers and oil pollution prevention measures. The market is highly sensitive to oil demand, freight rates, and sanctions affecting crude flows.