Platts will not add Compatibility Rating maximum to Marine Fuel 0.5%S assessments, invites feedback on fuel quality

Based on market feedback following a proposal published Aug. 2, S&P Global Platts will not add a compatibility rating maximum result of 2 to its global Marine Fuel 0.5% assessments.

Platts proposed to add a Compatibility Rating maximum of 2 on the Standard Test Method for Cleanliness and Compatibility of Residual Fuels by Spot Test (also known as the ASTM D4740 spot test) in its global Marine Fuel 0.5% assessments across all regions and sizes, including cargoes, barges and bunker deliveries: https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/our-methodology/subscriber-notes/080221-platts-proposes-compatibility-rating-maximum-of-2-for-global-marine-fuel-05-assessments

The decision follows market feedback that the test is not broadly used for testing compatibility and that determining the results can be subjective.

Platts does not stipulate a specific standard in the measurement of compatibility but observes ASTM D4740 being a typical test method for material below 50 CST viscosity at 100 degrees Celsius. ASTM states that in this test, a rating of Number 3 or higher indicates that the fuel "is likely to cause operating problems."

Platts does not reflect Marine Fuel 0.5%S in its assessment process where the fuel is demonstrably not acceptable to bunker buyers.

Barrels traded within the Platts Market on Close assessment process should not be unreasonably rejected by an entity, and any rejection based on quality is subject to Platts review.

Platts welcomes feedback on the above issues, including testing methods, quality specifications and operational timelines.

Platts continues to invite feedback about the quality of the fuel. The proposal followed broad market feedback on higher standards of assurances regarding the stability and compatibility of Marine Fuel 0.5%S in the global bunker fuels market. Platts Marine Fuel 0.5% assessments reflect specifications for RMG fuels as defined by the International Organization for Standardization in document ISO 8217:2010 Petroleum products -- Fuels (class F) -- Specifications of marine fuels, but with a maximum sulfur limit of 0.5% and a minimum viscosity of 30 CST at 50 degrees Celsius.

Please send any comments or questions to oilgroup@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com.

Platts will consider all comments received and will make comments not marked as confidential available upon request.