Platts launches new European, African 0.5%S marine fuel bunker assessments

S&P Global Platts has begun publishing daily price assessments for IMO 2020-compliant 0.5%S marine fuel bunkers on a delivered and ex-wharf basis at several ports from Monday, March 2, 2020.

Platts has begun publishing new 0.5%S marine fuel bunker assessments at the following ports: Algoa Bay, Augusta, Gdansk, Genoa, Lisbon and Lome.

That followed a decision note published February 10, which can be found here:

https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/our-methodology/subscriber-notes/021020-platts-to-launch-new-european-african-marine-fuel-05-bunker-assessments

Platts assessments at European and African ports reflect product supplied 1-8 days forward from the date of publication.

Typical sizes vary from port to port, but are generally between 300 mt and 1,000 mt.

Sizes defined for specific assessments are typical, not minimums and maximums. However, trades reported for volumes outside typical ranges may be considered atypical when assessing standard tradable volumes.

In line with Platts existing 0.5%S marine fuel cargo assessments, the new IMO 2020-compliant bunker fuel assessments will 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%.

Separately, Platts has proposed to add a minimum viscosity of 30 CST to its global 0.5%S marine fuel assessments across all regions and sizes, including cargoes, barges and bunker deliveries, effective April 1, 2020, as outlined in the following subscriber note, published February 10:

https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/our-methodology/subscriber-notes/021020-platts-proposes-to-add-minimum-viscosity-of-30-cst-to-global-marine-fuel-05-assessments

Platts will continue to review the publication of high sulfur bunker fuel assessments at locations where they currently exist.

Please send any comments or questions to europe_products@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com.

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