Fuel oil 1.5% FOB Rotterdam barge assessment

Effective July 1, 2010, and in line with changing requirements for the content of sulfur in fuel oil consumed by ships in European waters, Platts proposes to discontinue the fuel oil 1.5% FOB Rotterdam barge assessment.

Platts introduced the 1.5% assessment on April 1, 2006, in response to new regulations by the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from ships (Marpol).

As of July 1, 2010, the Marpol regulations limit sulfur in fuel oil used in bunkers to a maximum of 1% in designated areas including the Baltic Sea.

Accordingly, Platts will continue to assess fuel oil 1% barges FOB Antwerp.

Furthermore, Platts proposes from January 4, 2010, to amend the location basis of the 1.0% assessment from Antwerp to Rotterdam in line with bunker fuel consumption patterns.

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