SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts to launch Panama Canal, Santos bunker assessments

Platts proposes to launch assessments for 380 CST and 180 CST bunker fuel and marine gasoil in the Panama Canal and Santos, Brazil, with effect from January 4, 2016.

The new assessments would reflect specifications conforming to ISO 8217:2005.

The 380 CST and 180 CST assessments would reflect material with a maximum sulfur content of 3.5%. The MGO assessments would reflect material with a maximum sulfur content of 0.1%.

Specification and assessment parameters would be detailed in Platts' Americas Refined Oil Products Methodology and Specifications Guide at the time of launch.

The new assessments would reflect material for delivery three to seven days forward.

Platts currently assesses 380 3.5%S, 180 3.5%S and MGO on an ex-wharf basis in the Panamanian ports of Balboa and Cristobal, which will serve as the basis for the new Panama Canal assessment. Typically, the values for these products in these ports on either side of the canal are the same. On those occasions when one port is valued differently than the other port, the Panama Canal assessment would reflect the lower value.

In line with this, Platts also seeks formal feedback on a proposal to discontinue publication of the Petrobras posted price for Santos bunker fuels with effect from April 1, 2016. Platts would continue to publish Petrobras posted bunker prices for Rio de Janeiro, Paranagua and Salvador.

Platts expects to publish these new assessments in Bunkerwire and Marine Alert, with pages and market database symbols to be announced in due course.

Platts welcomes all feedback and questions to americas_products@platts.com and pricegroup@platts.com. Please send all comments by October 20, 2015.

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.