Platts proposes to change cargo size for Latvia-Turkey Supramax scrap freight assessment

S&P Global Platts proposes to change the cargo volume reflected in its Supramax freight assessment for the transport of ferrous scrap metal from Riga, Latvia, to Aliaga, Turkey, to 35,000 mt from 45,000 mt currently, effective Feb. 1, 2022.

The proposed change is to more accurately reflect the typical scrap metal cargo size traded on this route.

While the port of Riga has a maximum allowable draft of 14.5 meters, Platts understands that the scrap-loading berths at the port of Riga have a maximum allowable draft of 9-10 meters, which would prevent a standard, modern specification Supramax from loading a scrap metal stem size of 45,000 mt. As such, according to market sources, scrap metal cargoes loading from Riga are typically 35,000 mt.

The affected freight assessment, which would continue to reflect cargoes loading 14-45 days forward, is published in Platts Dry Freight Wire, on Platts Shipping Alert pages 630 and 1620, and in the Platts price database under the code MSLAT00.

Please send all comments or questions to shipping@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com by Dec. 10, 2021.

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.