Platts proposes to launch FOB Rotterdam 0.1%S ultra low sulfur fuel oil barge assessment Dec 1, 2025

Platts, part of S&P Global Commodities Insights, proposes to launch a daily assessment for FOB Rotterdam 0.1%S ultra-low sulfur fuel oil (ULSFO) barges, starting Dec. 1, 2025.

This proposal follows an increase in demand for the fuel in Europe following the implementation of the Mediterranean Emissions Control Area from May 1, 2025.

Specifications: Platts proposes the ULSFO barge assessment to reflect RMG 380 specifications as per ISO 8217: 2017 Petroleum products -- Fuels (class F) on all parameters, with the addition of a minimum viscosity of 30 cst, in line with market feedback.

Size: Platts proposes to reflect a barge size of 1,000mt, with an operational tolerance of +/- 5%. Platts will also publish indications between 1,000 mt-5,000 mt inclusive. Indications higher than 1,000 mt may be subject to normalization.

Port basis & assessment period: Platts proposes to reflect the value of barges loading FOB basis Rotterdam-Antwerp, for loading 3-15 (Monday to Tuesday) or 5-15 (Wednesday through Friday) days forward, with value normalized to reflect the mean value of these loading ranges. Platts understands that barges typically trade for the front five days, middle five days or the back five days.

Product Origin: In line with all E uropean fuel oil assessments, the FOB Rotterdam ULSFO barge assessments would reflect non-Russian origin.

Please send all comments, feedback and questions to Europe_products@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com by Oct. 27, 2025.

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.