Platts proposes to update Europe LSFO specs

Platts proposes to change the specification reflected in all European cracked LSFO cargo assessments with effect from January 2, 2013, in response to changes in supply and demand patterns in the European low sulfur fuel oil market.

Under its revised specifications, Platts assessments would reflect the following qualities: EU-qualified, 1% sulfur, 0.991 mg/kg density, 380 CST viscosity, 60ppm aluminium/silicon, 7% asphaltenes, 30 degrees Celsius pour point, 65 degrees Celsius flash point, 15% CCR, 0.01% ash, 0.5% water, 150 ppm vanadium, 9650 kcal/kg NCV, 0.1% TSP.

This represents a change from Platts current assessment specifications of 0.995 mg/kg density, 420 CST viscosity, 80 ppm aluminium/silicon, 6% asphaltenes and 120 ppm vanadium.

All other specifications would remain unchanged from the current reflection. Platts would continue to consider other merchantable LSFO specifications in its assessment process, and normalize to the updated specifications.

Please send comments by May 15, 2012, to europe_products@platts.com with a cc to pricegroup@platts.com.