Clarification on FOB ARA barge operational tolerances

Platts FOB barge assessments, basis ARA, reflect bids and offers where the buyer commits to load the contractual volumes as per the agreed volume at the time of trade.

Any potential for short loading for logistical reasons -- beyond the normal 5% operational tolerance, such as water level issues on inland waterways -- must be agreed with the seller prior to the commencement of loading.

The seller retains the option on whether to accept or reject the buyer's request to short load.

Any buyer who wishes to retain an option to short load barges due to water level concerns on inland waterways must express this in their bid.

Bids with such stipulations will be considered atypical and may be subject to normalization.

Comments should be directed to europe_products@platts.com and pricegroup@platts.com.