SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts proposes publishing new delivered Southeast Asia thermal coal assessment

S&P Global Platts is proposing to launch a new price assessment of CFR basis Ko Sichang thermal coal, the Platts Southeast Asia Thermal Coal, or Platts SEAT, from October 1, 2019.

Platts SEAT would be a daily USD/mt assessment, on a cost and freight basis reflecting the tradeable value at 1730 SGT (0930 GMT) of spot physical thermal coal cargoes delivered to the Gulf of Thailand.

Platts has observed a rise in demand for seaborne coal in the region due to rising power and energy consumption. This assessment will reflect this growing market.

Southeast Asian thermal coal imports in 2018 stood at 101 million mt, with the 4,200 kcal/kg Gross As Received being the most liquid grade of coal traded in the spot market as a direct fuel or for blending purposes.

SPECIFICATION: The assessment would reflect thermal coal cargoes with a calorific value of 4,200 kcal/kg GAR. Other grades may be normalized to this basis.

LOCATION: Platts SEAT will reflect deliveries to ports within the Gulf of Thailand on a CFR basis, with Ko Sichang in Thailand as the base port. Deliveries to other regions in Southeast Asia may be normalized to this basis for assessment purposes.

ASSESSMENT PERIOD: Platts will assess cargoes delivering 15-60 days forward from the date of publication. For example, on August 20th, the assessment would reflect cargoes delivered between September 4th and October 19th.

VOLUME: The CFR Gulf of Thailand assessment would reflect cargoes delivered on a standard Supramax vessel.

Platts invites feedback on all of the above proposal, including on the specifications, timing and basis of the new assessment, and their reflection of standard market terms.

Please direct any questions or comments by September 2, 2019 to coal@spglobal.com with a copy to pricegroup@spglobal.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.