A hierarchical macro-mesoporous Al2O3-supported NiK catalyst was prepared using macroporous alumina, and this catalyst was used for steam catalytic cracking of vacuum residue. Ni was well dispersed on the hierarchical macro-mesoporous alumina, which had a high surface area and a highly ordered porous structure. The hierarchical porous catalyst exhibited better catalytic performance (higher liquid yield and higher conversion) than the mesoporous alumina supported NiK catalyst. This good catalytic performance was due to the porosity, which improved access of the vacuum residue to the Ni active sites. Furthermore, the hierarchical porous NiK catalyst showed good stability and was regenerable. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.