FH36 Shipbuilding Steel Plate – High-Strength Marine & Offshore Steel
FH36 is a high-strength, low-alloy shipbuilding steel plate certified by major classification societies (ABS, DNV, LR, CCS, BV, NK, RINA, RS). It belongs to the FH series under the general strength and high-strength shipbuilding steel standards.
The "F" denotes the grade's impact test temperature: -60°C, making it suitable for the most severe Arctic and polar service conditions. "H36" indicates a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa (51,000 psi) and tensile strength of 490–620 MPa.
FH36 is primarily used for critical structural components in vessels, offshore platforms, and marine equipment operating in extremely low-temperature environments.
Why Choose FH36? – Key Advantages
One-stop steel procurement

Exceptional Low-Temperature Toughness – Guaranteed impact resistance down to -60°C, preventing brittle fracture in polar climates.
Multiple Delivery Conditions – Normalized, TMCP, or QT options to suit different fabrication needs.

High Strength-to-Weight Ratio – Enables lighter structural designs without sacrificing safety.
Excellent Weldability – Low carbon equivalent allows preheating and welding without cracking, even in thick sections.

Fatigue & Corrosion Resistance – Suitable for shipload cyclic stresses and saltwater exposure.
Certified by All Major Class Societies – ABS, DNV, LR, CCS, BV, NK, RINA, RS, etc.
Mechanical Properties & Chemical Composition | Built for High Stress
| C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cu | Ni | Cr | Mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.18 | 0.50 | 0.90–1.60 | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.35 | 0.40 | 0.20 | 0.08 |
Mechanical Requirements
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM A131 / A131M, API 2H, EN 10025-3 |
| Material Grade | FH36 |
| Thickness Range | 5 mm – 150 mm (customizable) |
| Width Range | 1500 mm – 4500 mm |
| Length Range | 6000 mm – 25000 mm |
| Delivery Condition | AR (As-Rolled), N (Normalized), TMCP, QT |
| Minimum Yield Strength | 355 MPa (51,500 psi) |
| Tensile Strength | 490 – 620 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 21% (in 200mm) |
| Impact Test Temperature | -60°C |
| Impact Energy (longitudinal) | ≥ 34 J (average) |
| Carbon Equivalent (CEV) | ≤ 0.38 (typical for weldability) |
Application Environment

Heavy Marine Equipment
Crane ships, dredgers, and ice-class container vessels
Naval & Defense Ships
Frigates, corvettes, submarines (hull structures)


Arctic & Polar Region Vessels
Icebreakers, Arctic tankers, Polar supply vessels
Offshore Structures
Fixed platforms, floating production units (FPSO), jack-up rigs

Comparison: FH36 vs. AH36 vs. DH36
| Property | AH36 | DH36 | FH36 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact Test Temperature | 0°C | -20°C | -60°C |
| Minimum Impact Energy (J) | 34 J | 34 J | 34 J |
| Typical Applications | General ship hull, decks, bulkheads – warm/temperate seas | Offshore supply vessels, Baltic Sea ships – cold regions | Arctic vessels, icebreakers, polar offshore – extreme cold |
| Notch Toughness Level | Normal | High | Superior (Arctic grade) |
| Thickness Suitability | ≤ 50 mm (typical) | ≤ 100 mm | Up to 150 mm |
| Price Index | Low | Medium | High (premium grade) |
| Alloying Elements | Basic Mn + Si | Higher Mn | Additional Ni, Cr, Cu for cryogenic performance |
| Common Delivery Condition | AR / N | N / TMCP | N / TMCP / QT |
| Certification & Documentation Support | Standard | Standard | Full traceability + EN10204 3.2 + all major class society approval handling |

why choose us?
✔ FH36 steel plates – genuine, certified, and traceable
✔ Available from 5mm to 150mm thickness – ready to ship
✔ Free value-added services: cutting, beveling, UT inspection
✔ Small orders & fast turnaround for urgent Arctic marine projects
✔ Dedicated customer support – from mill certificate to welding advice
We supply FH36 steel plates in cut-to-size, pre-bevelled, and formed options. Surface treatment (primed or shot-blasted) and edge preparation are available upon request.
📞 Contact our marine steel experts for mill delivery schedules, class society approvals, and technical datasheets.
Get the quotation within 24 hours
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User Evaluation

Mr. Michael Tran
Senior Marine Engineer, Nordic Hull Ltd.

Ms. Susan
Procurement Manager, North Sea Offshore GmbH

Mr. Carlos Mendez
Production Director, Polar Marine Shipyard S.A.
FAQ

01.What is the difference between FH36 and DH36 steel plate?
The main difference is the impact test temperature.
DH36 is tested at -20°C and suitable for cold but non-Arctic environments (e.g., North Sea, Baltic Sea).
FH36 is tested at -60°C, making it the preferred choice for Arctic vessels, icebreakers, and polar-class offshore platforms.
Both grades have the same minimum yield strength (355 MPa), but FH36 offers superior low-temperature toughness.
02.What thicknesses of FH36 steel plate are available for shipbuilding?
Common shipbuilding thicknesses range from 8 mm to 80 mm. Custom thicknesses and cut-to-size plates are also available upon request.
03.Which classification societies certify FH36 steel plate?
FH36 can be certified by all major classification societies, including but not limited to:
ABS (American Bureau of Shipping)
DNV (Det Norske Veritas)
LR (Lloyd's Register)
CCS (China Classification Society)
BV (Bureau Veritas)
NK (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai / ClassNK)
RINA (Registro Italiano Navale)
RS (Russian Maritime Register of Shipping)
You can request specific class approval when placing your order.
04.Can FH36 steel plate be welded without preheating?
FH36 has a low carbon equivalent (typically ≤0.38), which provides good weldability.
However, for thicker plates (e.g., ≥40 mm) or in very low ambient temperatures, preheating (typically 50–100°C) is recommended to prevent hydrogen-induced cracking.
A qualified welding procedure specification (WPS) should always be followed. We provide free WPS guidance upon request.
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