SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts to amend European HSFO 3.5% Mediterranean cargo specifications

Effective October 1, 2015, following a previous proposal note, Platts intends to amend and update the specifications it reflects in its European high sulfur 3.5% Mediterranean fuel oil cargo assessments.

Platts proposes to reflect the value of 3.5% maximum sulfur with 380 CST max viscosity (at 50 degrees centigrade) and 0.991kg/l density with a maximum combined aluminum and silicon content of 60 ppm, max 30 degrees Pour Point, min 60 degrees Flash Point, CCR max 18%, Ash max 0.1%, Water max 0.5%, Vanadium max 350 mg/kg, TSP 0.1%, Asphaltenes max 8 %, Sodium max 100 mg/kg, Acid number 2.5 mg/kg, Zinc max 15 mg/kg, Phosphorus max 15 mg/kg, Calcium max 30 mg/kg, Free from used lubricating oils (ULO) (calcium 30 and zinc 15; or calcium 30 and phosphorus 15), H2S 2ppm max

This will see changes to the following elements of Platts current specification:

Specification Current Proposed Aluminum and silicon 80ppm 60ppm Ash 0.15% 0.1% Vanadium 300 mg/kg 350 mg/kg Sodium Not reflected 100 mg/kg Acid number Not reflected 2.5 mg/kg ULO Not reflected Free from ULO

Platts is proposing to update and amend its Mediterranean HSFO cargo specifications due to a fundamental shift in both the supply and demand of Mediterranean HSFO.

Bunker fuel specifications have evolved over time as a result of legislation or changes to demand and supply patterns.

In recent years, one of the most notable changes to Mediterranean demand has been to aluminum and silicon, which has lowered from the previous 80 ppm to 60 ppm. Following suit, refiners in the Mediterranean also began to shift their HSFO production to meet this demand. In line with these evolving practices, Platts is proposing to update its specifications to reflect a lower aluminum and silicon content. Platts is also taking this opportunity to update a number of other specifications, as detailed above.

Please send any comments or questions to europe_products@platts.com and pricegroup@platts.com. For written comments, please provide a clear indication if comments are not intended for publication by Platts for public viewing. Platts will consider all comments received and will make comments not marked as confidential available upon request.