SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts to launch new US clean tanker assessments August 1

Following feedback to its May 2014 proposal, Platts confirms that it will launch on August 1, 2014 two new Clean Medium Range tanker freight rate assessments for the US Gulf Coast. These assessments reflect newly established supply trends of refined products out of the region, in the wake of major changes to refining capacity in the southern US. The new assessments -- US Gulf Coast to Argentina and US Gulf Coast to Brazil -- will reflect strong market interest in these routes for clean Medium Range tankers. The new assessments would reflect modern MR tonnage. Platts will launch these assessments reflecting the locations proposed in May. Platts has detected interest in a further assessment, reflecting the value of supply routes into northern Brazil, and will separately study the potential for this assessment. As proposed in its May 20 subscriber note, each assessment would be published on a Worldscale basis to reflect how these routes are traded. Platts would also publish a dollars per metric ton value for these routes.

US GULF COAST TO ARGENTINA: This assessment will reflect a 38,000 mt clean MR tanker from the US Gulf Coast to Argentina, and reflect the increased amount of refined products leaving the US Gulf Coast. The assessment would reflect loadings from Houston and New Orleans, and discharge into major Argentine ports, including Buenos Aires and La Plata.

US GULF COAST TO BRAZIL: This assessment will reflect a 38,000 mt, clean MR tanker from the US Gulf Coast to Brazil, and reflect the increased amount of refined products leaving the US Gulf Coast. The assessment would reflect loadings from Houston and New Orleans, and discharge into Santos, Tramandai and Salvador.

These new assessments will be published in Platts Clean Tankerwire and Platts Tanker Alert. Please send all further comments or questions to tankers@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.