One W-Ni catalyst supported on hydrothermally treated zeolite Y and two W-Ni catalysts supported on chemically treated zeolite Y were prepared. The catalysts were characterized by NH3-TPD, pyridine-IR, TEM, BET, and XPS. Their performance of hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation, and hydrodearomatization were compared using light cycle oil (LCO) as the feed. The results showed that the hydrothermal treatment promotes HDS activity whereas the chemical approach favours the HDA activity. The HDN activity of the three catalysts was similar. Addition of zeolite Y with high proportion of Bronsted acidity in the catalysts helps to enhance the hydrodearomatization activity. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.