Education / Vessel Types
VLCC Charter Guide
Very Large Crude Carrier specifications, trade routes, BIMCO charter party terms, and West Africa crude export operations including Nigerian SPM terminals.
By Pius Nobei, MBA
Updated August 2026
330m
Typical LOA
2M
Barrels Per Voyage
958
Global VLCC Fleet
20m
Loaded Draft
Overview
What is a VLCC?
VLCC stands for Very Large Crude Carrier, a specific size class within the tanker market defined by deadweight tonnage (DWT). VLCCs range from 200,000 to 320,000 DWT and are the workhorses of global seaborne crude oil transportation, accounting for the largest share of long-haul crude shipments.
The cost-per-barrel of transporting crude oil drops significantly as vessel size increases. A VLCC carrying 2 million barrels on a long-haul route achieves a cost per barrel approximately 40-50% lower than the same volume carried by two Suezmax vessels. This economy of scale drives VLCC dominance on routes from the Persian Gulf to Asia, and from West Africa to Europe and Asia.
In West Africa, VLCCs are essential for Nigerian crude oil exports from Bonny, Forcados, and Escravos terminals. Due to draft limitations at traditional Nigerian ports, VLCCs use Single Point Mooring (SPM) terminals offshore or undergo lightering operations to transfer cargo to smaller vessels.
VLCC Specifications
DWT Range
200,000-320,000 tonnes
Length Overall (LOA)
330-340 metres
Beam (Width)
~60 metres
Loaded Draft
~20 metres
Ballast Draft
~11 metres
Cargo Capacity
~2 million barrels
Cargo Tanks
15-17 tanks
Service Speed
15-17 knots
Slow Steaming
12 knots (-35% fuel)
Main Engine
MAN B&W / Wartsila
Power Output
29,000-40,000 kW
Hull Type
Double Hull
Key Trade Routes
VLCC Trading Corridors
| Code | Route | Distance | Duration | Key Crude |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TD3C | Persian Gulf → Japan | ~6,500 nm | ~25 days | Arab Light, Murban |
| WAF-EUR | Bonny → Rotterdam | ~4,800 nm | ~20 days | Bonny Light |
| WAF-Asia | Bonny → Far East | ~8,500 nm | ~35 days | Bonny Light, Qua Iboe |
| WAF-USG | Escravos → US Gulf | ~5,200 nm | ~22 days | Escravos Blend |
| ATL-ASIA | West Africa → India/China | ~9,000 nm | ~37 days | Nigerian grades |
West Africa Operations
VLCC Operations in Nigerian Waters
Nigerian crude oil exports are a major driver of VLCC demand in West Africa. Key loading terminals include Bonny Oil Terminal, Forcados Export Terminal, and Escravos Export Terminal. These terminals use Single Point Mooring (SPM) buoys that allow VLCCs to load cargo offshore.
Dangote Refinery at Lekki has added a new dimension to VLCC operations, with crude oil imports arriving via SPM terminals. The five SPM terminals at Lekki can accommodate fully-laden VLCCs, enabling direct crude discharge without lightering, a capability unmatched at Nigeria's traditional ports.
Nigerian VLCC Terminals
Bonny Oil Terminal
Type
Crude Export (SPM)
Operator
NNPCL
Forcados Export Terminal
Type
Crude Export (SPM)
Operator
Shell
Escravos Export Terminal
Type
Crude Export (SPM)
Operator
Chevron
Lekki SPM (Dangote)
Type
Crude Import & Product Export
Operator
Dangote Industries
Frequently Asked Questions
VLCC Charter FAQ
What is a VLCC?
A VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) is an oil tanker with 200,000-320,000 DWT capacity, typically 330-340m long and 60m wide. VLCCs carry approximately 2 million barrels of crude oil per voyage and are the workhorses of global seaborne crude transportation.
Can VLCCs call at Nigerian ports?
Traditional Nigerian ports (Apapa, Tin Can, Warri) have draft limitations that prevent fully-laden VLCCs from berthing. VLCCs use Single Point Mooring (SPM) terminals at Lekki (Dangote) and offshore loading terminals at Bonny, Forcados, and Escravos. Lightering operations transfer cargo to smaller vessels for port entry.
What charter party forms are used for VLCCs?
VLCC charters typically use BIMCO-standard forms: GENCON for voyage charters, SHELLTIME for time charters, and COA (Contract of Affreightment) for long-term commitments. Calmwaters Shipping arranges all VLCC fixtures on BIMCO-standard terms with transparent documentation.
What are the main VLCC routes from West Africa?
Key VLCC routes from West Africa include Bonny/Forcados to Far East (China, India, Japan), Bonny to Europe (Rotterdam, Mediterranean), and Escravos to US Gulf. These routes carry Nigerian crude oil exports and are among the most active VLCC trading corridors globally.
VLCC Charter Support
Charter VLCCs for West Africa Routes
Calmwaters Shipping arranges VLCC charters for crude oil exports from Bonny, Forcados, and Escravos, and crude imports to Dangote Refinery at Lekki. BIMCO-standard terms. NPA Licensed Agent.