Platts to modify Ethanol T2 FOB Rotterdam loading window July 1

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, will amend the benchmark Ethanol T2 FOB Rotterdam (AAYDT00) loading window specification in its assessment process to reflect a single strip window of 5-15 days forward from the date of publication, effective July 1, 2026.

The change follows observed loading delays due to the logistical limitations of ethanol in Rotterdam, and in response to market feedback that a longer strip window would provide greater flexibility.

Under this change, buyers will be required to nominate a five-day laycan within the 5-15 day strip. The buyer's nomination is subject to a notice period of at least 48 hours (full UK working days) before the first day of the laycan, as per market standard.

Additionally, buyers will also need to nominate the estimated time of arrival (ETA) of the barge within the narrowed five-day laycan within good time, and no less than 48 hours (full UK working days) prior to arrival.

For example, the Platts Ethanol T2 FOB Rotterdam loading window for an assessment published on March 10 would be March 15-25. For a shortened laycan of March 19-23, the buyer must provide nomination on the first day of the laycan 48 full working-day hours prior, on March 17. For a barge ETA of March 22 within the shortened laycan, the buyer must also provide a nomination 48 hours (full UK working days) on March 20.

Platts current methodology reflects a loading window of 3-15 days forward from publication on Mondays and Tuesdays, and 5-15 days forward from Wednesday to Friday. These longer periods are then split into three five-day windows denoted as the front-end window, the mid-window and the back-end window. Participants in the Platts Market on Close assessment process may currently express interest to bid and offer separately within these windows with pre-designated five-day laycans. Platts will remove the ability to bid and offer the three five-day windows in the MOC as part of this update.

Platts expects performance on all published deals to be in line with market practice.

This change was first proposed in a subscriber note published April 20.

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