ABS AH36 Shipbuilding Steel Plate – High-Strength Marine Steel for Vessel Construction
ABS AH36 is defined as a higher-strength steel grade under ABS Rules for Shipbuilding. The "A" designation indicates it is suitable for use at 32°F (0°C) impact test temperature, while "H36" signifies a minimum yield strength of 51,000 psi (355 MPa) . This grade is part of the 36-series higher-strength family, which also includes DH36, EH36, and FH36 – each distinguished by their impact toughness properties at progressively lower temperatures.
Key Features
Certification: Certified by American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) – full documentation provided.
Yield Strength: 51 ksi (355 MPa) minimum – suitable for high-stress structural applications.
Tensile Strength: 71 – 90 ksi (490 – 620 MPa).
Elongation: 22% minimum – ensures adequate formability for fabrication.
Impact Test Temperature: 32°F (0°C) – Charpy V-notch toughness verified.
Weldability: Excellent with low carbon equivalent (CEV ≤ 0.38 for thicknesses up to 2").
Delivery Condition: Available in control-rolled (CR), normalized (N), or TMCP conditions.
Why AH36 Over Ordinary-Strength Grades?
One-stop steel procurement
Weight reduction – thinner plates can be used without compromising structural integrity.
Increased cargo capacity – reduced hull weight allows greater payload.
Design flexibility – enables more ambitious vessel designs with complex load paths.
Key Specifications & Tolerances
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength (min) | 51 ksi (355 MPa) |
| Tensile Strength | 71 – 90 ksi (490 – 620 MPa) |
| Elongation A5 (min) | 22% |
| Impact Test Temperature | 32°F (0°C) |
Impact Energy Requirements by Thickness
| Thickness Range | Longitudinal Avg. (ft-lbs) | Transverse Avg. (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.1875" – 2.00" | 25 | 17 |
| 2.001" – 2.80" | 30 | 20 |
| 2.801" – 5.90" | 37 | 25 |
Chemical Composition (max values)
| Element | Max % |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.18 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.50 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.90 – 1.60 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.035 |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.035 |
| Aluminum (Al) | 0.015 (min) |
| Niobium (Nb) | 0.02 – 0.05 |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.05 – 0.10 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.02 |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.35 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.20 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0.40 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.08 |
Available Dimensions
ABS AH36 steel plate is available in a wide range of sizes to suit various project requirements:
| Thickness Range | Width Range | Length Range |
|---|---|---|
| 0.1875" – 5.90" (4.76mm – 150mm) | 72" – 129.9" (1800mm – 3299mm) | 79" – 1020" (2000mm – 25910mm) |
Custom dimensions and processing – including cutting, beveling, shot blasting, and painting – are available upon request.
Click to obtain detailed technical parameters
Applications | Where is AH36 Steel Used?
Ship hull construction
outer hull plating and structural frames.
Bulk carriers and container vessels
deck structures and longitudinal stiffeners.
Offshore drilling platforms
structural members for mobile units.
Cruise ships and ferries
primary load-bearing components.
Quality Assurance & Certifications
ABS Certification – Your Guarantee of Compliance
Every shipment of ABS AH36 steel plate includes comprehensive documentation confirming certification by the American Bureau of Shipping. This ensures:
Full traceability from mill to delivery.
Verified mechanical properties through independent testing.
Compliance with ABS Rules for Materials and Welding.
Original Mill Test Certificates (MTC) issued under EN 10204 Type 3.1 or 3.2.
why choose us?
Stock Availability: We maintain 5,000+ tons of ABS AH36 shipbuilding plate in standard sizes (6m, 9m, 12m) ready for immediate dispatch.
Custom Cutting: We offer profile cutting, beveling, and services to save you fabrication time.
Fast Logistics: Efficient shipping via break bulk or container to major ports worldwide (Rotterdam, Houston, Singapore, Dubai).
Competitive Pricing: Direct mill cooperation means no middlemen markups.
Get the quotation within 24 hours
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professional team
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our Partners
We trusted by
User Evaluation
Mr. Chen Wei
Singapore · Large Shipbuilding and Repairing Group
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong
Haiphong · Shipbuilding Group of Vietnam
Mr. Rajesh Kumar
Kochi, India · Ship Repair Yard
FAQ
01.What does ABS stand for?
ABS stands for the American Bureau of Shipping – the classification society that establishes and enforces standards for shipbuilding materials. ABS certification confirms the steel meets rigorous mechanical property and toughness requirements for marine applications.
02.What is the difference between ABS A/B and ABS AH36?
03.What is the difference between AH36, DH36, and EH36?
All three grades share the same yield and tensile strength properties. The key difference lies in their impact test temperature:
AH36: 32°F (0°C) – suitable for most temperate marine environments
DH36: -4°F (-20°C) – for colder regions
EH36: -40°F (-40°C) – for Arctic and extreme low-temperature applications -5-11
The choice depends on the vessel's operating environment and classification society requirements.
04.What delivery conditions are available for AH36?
AH36 is typically available in control-rolled (CR) condition. For specific applications, normalized (N) or TMCP conditions can also be supplied. The condition affects the steel's grain structure and mechanical properties, with normalized offering enhanced toughness for thicker sections.
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