VLCC

American  

1. a supertanker with a deadweight capacity of up to 250,000 tons.

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VLCC British  

abbreviation

1. very large crude carrier: an oil tanker with a capacity between 200 000 and 400 000 tons

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Etymology

Origin of VLCC

V(ery) L(arge) C(rude) C(arrier)

Example Sentences

For John Winston Isidro, life aboard his VLCC, or Very Large Crude Carrier, has been marked by equal parts monotony and precaution since his ship began playing the waiting game.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Two other officials identified the ship as the Bella 1, a very large crude carrier, or VLCC, which was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025

A loaded VLCC, longer than three football fields, requires a 75-foot deep channel and a huge turning radius.

From Washington Times • Mar. 22, 2020

This one is 253,000 tons, so it's a VLCC, a very large cargo carrier.

From Time Magazine Archive