Platts 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, will launch a daily assessment for FOB Rotterdam 0.1%S ultra-low sulfur fuel oil (ULSFO) barges, starting Dec. 1, 2025.

This decision follows an increase in demand for the fuel in Europe following the implementation of the Mediterranean Emissions Control Area from May 1, 2025. It also follows a proposal published Oct. 10, available here.

Specifications: The assessment will 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: The assessment will reflect a barge size of 1,000 metric tons, with an operational tolerance of plus or minus 5%. Platts will also publish indications between 1,000-5,000 mt inclusive. Indications higher than 1,000 mt may be subject to normalization.

Port basis & assessment period: The assessment will reflect the value of barges loading FOB basis Rotterdam-Antwerp, for loading three to 15 (Monday to Tuesday) or five to 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 European fuel oil assessments, the FOB Rotterdam ULSFO barge assessments will reflect non-Russian origin.

Assessment: The assessment will be assessed as a flat price, in line with Platts' existing 3.5% and 0.5% Rdam barge assessments.

Please send a ny comments, feedback and questions to Europe_products@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com.

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