Platts opens consultation into use of hand blends in 0.5%S marine fuel, HSFO FOB Rotterdam barge MOC

Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, has opened a consultation on the use of multi-tank blends, commonly referred to as hand blends, in the FOB Rotterdam 0.5%S marine fuel and HSFO barge markets and invites feedback on the practices and specification testing expectations in these markets.

From this market feedback, Platts seeks to clarify standard market practice and performance expectations in the Market on Close assessment process.

In this consultation, Platts invites feedback on the following areas:

How common hand blends are for barge-size transactions in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp market;

The typical number of tanks employed in a hand blend;

Whether mutual agreement and/or a barge composite would be required for a buyer to be supplied material from a hand blend;

Typical expectations for Certificate of Analysis on hand blends, including whether it is common practice for buyers to require testing after loading.

Further, Platts also seeks feedback on whether all parameters of ISO 8217:2010 are provided on certificate of analysis prior to FOB barge loadings in ARA.

Please send all comments to Europe_products@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com by June 30, 2023.

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 confidential available upon request.