New specification in European low sulfur fuel oil assessments from Jan. 2, 2013

Effective January 2, 2013, Platts will reflect an updated specification in all European cracked LSFO cargo in response to changes in supply and demand patterns in the European low sulfur fuel oil market.

Under its revised specifications, Platts assessments will reflect the following qualities: EU-qualified, 1.00% 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 will remain unchanged from the current specification reflected.

Platts will continue to consider other merchantable LSFO specifications in its assessment process, and normalize to the updated specifications.

Please send comments to europe_products@platts.com with a cc to pricegroup@platts.com.