Shipbuilding Steel Plate Classification – Grades, Standards & Supplier
Meta Title: Shipbuilding Steel Plate Classification | Grades A/B/D/E & AH36/DH36/EH36 | Top Supplier
Meta Description: Explore the complete classification of shipbuilding steel plates. From Ordinary Strength (A/B/D/E) to High Strength (AH32/DH36/EH36). Get certified ABS, LR, DNV plates with Mill Test Certificates. Request a quote now!
Comprehensive Classification of Shipbuilding Steel Plates: Your Ultimate Guide
Choosing the right shipbuilding steel plate is critical for hull integrity, safety, and longevity. Whether you are building an oil tanker, a bulk carrier, or an offshore drilling platform, understanding the classification of shipbuilding plates is the first step to ensuring compliance with international maritime standards.
As a professional supplier of marine and offshore steel, we offer a full range of grades certified by major classification societies. Below is a breakdown of shipbuilding plate classifications based on strength, toughness, and certification.
Click to obtain relevant information
Classification by Strength Grade (Yield Strength)
The primary way to classify shipbuilding plates is by their minimum yield strength .
A. Ordinary Strength Steel Plates
These are the standard steels used for general shipbuilding purposes where stress conditions are moderate. The minimum yield point is 235 MPa (34 ksi) .
Common Grades: A, B, D, E
Application: Barges, ship hulls, bulkheads, and non-critical structural parts .
B. High Strength Steel Plates
Used in high-stress areas of ships to reduce weight while maintaining strength. These steels require higher yield points and are often used for decks and hatch covers.
Yield Strength Levels: 315 MPa (32 ksi), 355 MPa (36 ksi), 390 MPa (40 ksi) .
Common Grades: AH32, DH32, EH32 (315 MPa) / AH36, DH36, EH36 (355 MPa) .
C. Ultra-High Strength Steel Plates
Designed for the most demanding applications and harsh environments. Yield strength exceeds 460 MPa.
Common Grades: EH40, FH40, EH47, FH47 .
Classification by Toughness Grade (Impact Temperature)
The letters in the grade name (A, B, D, E, F) represent the Charpy V-notch impact test temperature. This determines the suitability of the steel for low-temperature environments .
| Grade | Impact Test Temperature | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A | Room Temperature (0°C) | Basic impact resistance. Not suitable for low-temperature applications. |
| Grade B | 0°C | Slightly higher toughness than Grade A. |
| Grade D | -20°C | Suitable for colder environments and thicker plates. |
| Grade E | -40°C | Excellent low-temperature toughness, ideal for Arctic or winter conditions. |
| Grade F | -60°C | Extreme low-temperature toughness (Polar regions). |
Note: High-strength grades follow the same logic. For example, DH36 is High Strength (36 ksi) with low-temperature toughness at -20°C, while EH36 is for -40°C .
Classification by Classification Society (Certification)
Shipbuilding plates must be manufactured and tested according to the rules of specific Classification Societies. We supply certified plates for all major societies globally .
ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) – Standard: ASTM A131
LR (Lloyd's Register)
DNV (Det Norske Veritas)
CCS (China Classification Society)
BV (Bureau Veritas)
NK (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai)
KR (Korean Register) & RINA
Quick Reference: Grade Equivalents Table
| Grade | Strength | Toughness Temp | Equivalent Standards |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Ordinary (235 MPa) | 0°C (Room) | ASTM A131 A, CCSA, LR A |
| B | Ordinary (235 MPa) | 0°C | ASTM A131 B, CCSB |
| D | Ordinary (235 MPa) | -20°C | ASTM A131 D, CCSD |
| E | Ordinary (235 MPa) | -40°C | ASTM A131 E, CCSE |
| AH32 | High (315 MPa) | 0°C | ASTM A131 AH32, ABS AH32 |
| DH32 | High (315 MPa) | -20°C | ASTM A131 DH32, DNV DH32 |
| EH32 | High (315 MPa) | -40°C | ASTM A131 EH32, LR EH32 |
| AH36 | High (355 MPa) | 0°C | ASTM A131 AH36, CCS AH36 |
| DH36 | High (355 MPa) | -20°C | ASTM A131 DH36, ABS DH36 |
| EH36 | High (355 MPa) | -40°C | ASTM A131 EH36, DNV EH36 |
why choose us?
Stock Availability: We maintain 5,000+ tons of 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
one-stop solution
professional team
high quality
our Partners
We trusted by
FAQ
01.What is the difference between Grade A and Grade D shipbuilding steel?
Grade A is an ordinary strength steel tested at room temperature (0°C). Grade D offers the same strength (235 MPa) but is impact-tested at -20°C, making it more suitable for thicker plates and cold weather applications .
02.What does "AH36" stand for?
A: Indicates the toughness level (impact test at 0°C).
H: Stands for High Strength.
36: Indicates the minimum yield strength of 36 ksi (approximately 355 MPa) .
03.Do you provide certification for ABS or DNV?
04.What is the standard thickness range for these plates?
Typically available from 4.76mm to 100mm in thickness, and up to 3.3 meters in width .
Hot Tags: classification of shipbuilding plates, China classification of shipbuilding plates suppliers, hexagonal shipbuilding steel plate, polygonal shipbuilding steel plate, retail shipbuilding steel plate, scheduled shipbuilding steel plate, shelved shipbuilding steel plate, tugboat steel plate
