Bulk Cargo
Commodity Specification Library
Indicative contract specifications for the bulk grades that actually trade | typical values, reject limits, basis and test methods. Always price against the specific contract and independent assay.
Bulk CargoContract Specs13 grades
13 results
Indonesian steam coal 4,200 GAR
Thermal coal · Kalimantan / South Sumatra, Indonesia · HS 2701.19
The benchmark low-CV Indonesian sub-bituminous grade for Indian and Chinese blending demand. High moisture, low ash, low sulphur.
| Parameter | Typical | Reject | Basis | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross CV (GAR) | 4,200 kcal/kg | below 4,000 | ARB | ASTM D5865 |
| Total moisture | 34–38 % | above 40 % | ARB | ASTM D3302 |
| Inherent moisture | 14–18 % | - | ADB | ASTM D3173 |
| Ash | 4–6 % | above 8 % | ARB | ASTM D3174 |
| Total sulphur | 0.2–0.6 % | above 1.0 % | ARB | ASTM D4239 |
| Volatile matter | 38–42 % | - | ADB | ASTM D3175 |
| Fixed carbon | by difference | - | ADB | - |
| HGI | 45–55 | - | - | ASTM D409 |
| Ash fusion (IDT) | above 1,150 °C | - | - | ASTM D1857 |
| Size | 0–50 mm, 90 % min | - | - | - |
Notes
- Priced on GAR; a 100 kcal/kg CV shortfall typically costs 1/42nd of the base price pro rata.
- Group B under the IMSBC Code | self-heating and methane emission; CO monitoring required.
- Indonesian benchmark price (HBA) governs royalty and, for domestic obligations, minimum export pricing.
Overview & methodology
What is the commodity specification library?
The specification library provides standard trade bands for bulk commodities (Coal, Iron Ore, Grain). In 2026, it is used by trade operators to check if an assay (e.g., 5500 kcal NAR) fits within global market standards before drafting sale contracts.
Numerical Example: Iron Ore Grade Comparison
Contract price is usually adjusted (bonus/penalty) per unit of Fe above or below the base specification.
Grade62% Fe Fines
Typical Silica3.50% - 4.50%
Typical Alumina2.00% - 2.50%
Reject Limit>5.50% Silica
StatusStandard Market Grade
Source: GAFTA / FOSFA - Standard Contract SpecificationsOfficial Resource
Last reviewed: August 2026
Frequently asked questions
What is a typical specification for steam coal?
Indonesian 4200 GAR runs about 4,200 kcal/kg GAR, 35% total moisture, 5% ash and 0.3% sulphur; Australian 6000 NAR runs 6,322 kcal/kg GAR, 12% total moisture, 14% ash and 0.6% sulphur. Rejection limits are usually set a few hundred kcal below the base CV and one to two points above the base ash and sulphur.
Advertisement728 × 90
Related calculators
All Bulk Cargo tools →Coal & Petcoke Quality Calculator
GAR/NAR/ADB/DB/DAF basis conversion, gross-to-net calorific value and CV price adjustment with penalties.
Draft Survey Calculator
Mean-of-means displacement with trim and density corrections, deductibles and B/L tolerance check.
Stowage Factor & SF Converter
Convert between FT/MT and M3/MT, calculate volume requirement and cargo mix.
Advertisement728 × 90