Platts proposes to add minimum viscosity of 30 CST to global Marine Fuel 0.5% assessments

S&P Global Platts proposes to add a minimum viscosity of 30 CST to its global Marine Fuel 0.5% assessments across all regions and sizes, including cargoes, barges and bunker deliveries, effective April 1, 2020.

Following an extended period of research, Platts understands that residual marine grade fuels with a viscosity of at least 30 CST are currently considered broadly deliverable.

This was outlined in a clarification note on the merchantability of Marine Fuel 0.5%, published January 17 and available here:

https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/our-methodology/subscriber-notes/011720-merchantability-of-low-viscosity-marine-fuel-05s-cargoes-in-platts-moc

Platts also understands that a significant range of ship owners require minimum viscosity guarantees in their bunker purchases.

Platts Marine Fuel 0.5% sulfur cargo, barge and bunker assessments reflect specifications for RMG fuels as defined by the International Organization for Standardization in document ISO 8217:2010 Petroleum products -- Fuels (class F) -- Specifications of marine fuels, but with a maximum sulfur limit of 0.5%.

All cargoes or barges delivered as a result of transactions reported during the Platts MOC process must be tested against all parameters of the RMG standards, including viscosity.

Please send any comments or questions by February 28 to europe_products@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com. Platts will consider all comments received and will make comments not marked as confidential available upon request.