Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs)
Shipping and Trade Geography
A Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) is the second-largest category of oil tanker, capable of carrying 200,000–320,000 DWT (deadweight tonnes) of crude oil — approximately 2 million barrels. VLCCs are the workhorses of long-haul crude oil trade, including routes from the Persian Gulf to India, China, Japan, and South Korea. The Strait of Hormuz's navigable width constrains tanker traffic to designated Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS), making it a bottleneck for VLCC operations.
- VLCC capacity: 200,000–320,000 DWT (~2 million barrels per vessel)
- Largest tankers (ULCCs — Ultra-Large Crude Carriers): >320,000 DWT; too large for some port berths
- Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS): IMO-designated traffic lanes in international straits; vessels must comply under COLREGS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972)
- IMO (International Maritime Organization): UN specialised agency; established 1948 (Convention), entered into force 1958; HQ London; 175 member states
- India's tanker fleet: Indian shipping companies operate under the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), part of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
● Tracked since March 04, 2026 · last seen April 18, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
18 Apr '26
One Indian Vessel Crosses Hormuz as IRGC Opens Fire; Four Others Turn Back
International Relations
08 Apr '26
Iranian Crude Tanker Bound for India: First Shipment in Seven Years
International Relations
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