SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts to update specifications on NWE HSFO cargoes

Following consultation with the industry, and in line with subscriber notes published on June 16, and July 22, 2016, Platts has updated the specification on its CIF (and FOB) Northwest Europe 3.5% sulfur fuel oil cargo assessments.

In order to continue to reflect typical flows of cracked Russian quality M-100 in the assessment, from January 3, 2017 Platts has started assessing a higher viscosity of 650-700 CST, an (unchanged) density of 0.991 kg/l maximum, 60ppm maximum aluminum and silicon, and a water content of 0.50%.

Platts recognizes that the quality of M-100 may vary widely in density, viscosity, water content, and metals among other factors, and will continue to reflect typical levels on other relevant parameters.

The CIF NWE assessment reflects the value of cargoes of 25,000-30,000 mt or 30,000 mt each, delivered CIF basis Rotterdam.

Platts currently also publishes a FOB Baltic ports netback value based on the CIF NWE HSFO (M-100) assessment. The quality reflected in this netback value has also changed, in line with the underlying CIF assessment.

Please send any comments and queries to europe_products@platts.com and pricegroup@platts.com.

For written comments, please provide a clear indication if comments are not intended for publication by Platts for public viewing. Platts will consider all comments received and will make comments not marked as confidential available upon request.