VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier)
- Category
- tanker
- Size envelope
- 200,000-320,000 DWT
- LOA typical
- ~330 m
- Cargo
- Crude oil
- Route archetype
- Arabian Gulf → Far East + long-haul crude
- Crew size
- 24-28
Overview
The largest sea-going tankers, dedicated to long-haul crude routes. Arabian Gulf → Japan/Korea/China is the classic VLCC pendulum. Modernised fleet + long sea legs make VLCC officer contracts the sleep-friendly premium tanker berths. TCE + charter market track OPEC production + Chinese refinery demand.