VLCC

A VLCC (very large crude carrier) is a tanker built to carry a large cargo of crude oil, among the biggest vessels used in the oil trade.

A VLCC is among the largest ships that sail the oceans, built specifically to carry crude oil in bulk over long distances where its size makes the voyage economical despite needing deep water ports able to accommodate it. Its size is what earns the name: very large crude carrier.

Because a single VLCC carries a cargo large enough to matter to daily oil trade flows, the number of VLCCs available and willing to sail a given route affects freight rates on major oil trade lanes such as the Middle East to Asia. Fleets of VLCCs operating outside normal insurance and registration channels have also featured in how sanctioned oil continues to reach buyers despite restrictions on mainstream shipping and insurance.