Send the specification, destination and target volume for an order-specific quote.
Shipbuilding plate inquiries often list AH36, DH36 or EH36 as if they were different strengths. They are not. All three share the same 355 MPa minimum yield strength, and the letter tells you the temperature at which the steel must pass an impact test.
This guide compares the main hull steel grades, explains what the letters mean, and shows what to include in an inquiry so that suppliers quote the right plate with the right certificate.
The figures below come from IACS Unified Requirement W11 (Rev.9, 2017), the common basis for hull steel in classification society rules. Energy values are longitudinal minimums for plate up to 50 mm thick.
| Grade | Yield strength, min | Tensile strength | Impact test temperature | Average impact energy, min |
| A36 (AH36) | 355 MPa | 490–630 MPa | 0°C | 34 J |
| D36 (DH36) | 355 MPa | 490–630 MPa | -20°C | 34 J |
| E36 (EH36) | 355 MPa | 490–630 MPa | -40°C | 34 J |
| F36 (FH36) | 355 MPa | 490–630 MPa | -60°C | 34 J |
Energy requirements rise above 50 mm. Check the current rules of your classification society before you order.
Each part of the grade name carries information:
Normal-strength hull steel has a 235 MPa minimum yield and 400–520 MPa tensile strength. The grades again differ by impact requirements: B is tested at 0°C, D at -20°C and E at -40°C. Grade A is normally tested only above 50 mm, and grade B impact tests are generally not required up to 25 mm.
The grade is normally set by the approved drawings and class rules, which assign material classes by location and thickness. Do not substitute a grade just because the strength figure matches.
Class approval is part of the product. If the plate needs a certificate from CCS, ABS, DNV, LR or another society, say so before production. A certificate usually cannot be added once the steel has been made, because the survey and testing are part of the process. Also confirm that the mill is approved by your chosen society for that grade and thickness.
Shipbuilding plate, DH36, 12 × 2500 × 12000 mm, 200 tons, CCS certificate, shot-blasted and primed, CIF [destination port].
ASTM A131 uses similar grade names, but it is a separate standard. If your order needs a class certificate or names a specific standard, keep that requirement in the order.
Not for classed hull structure unless the classification society and designer accept it. The strength level is similar, but the rules, testing and certification differ.
Usually, because of the stricter test temperature and production control. The gap varies with mill, thickness and market, so compare quotes for the grade you actually need.
Shanghai Banzhijia Steel supplies shipbuilding plate, medium and heavy plate, and angles and flat bars for stiffeners. See our shipbuilding application page for typical uses, then send your plate list and required class society so that we can confirm availability before quoting.
Send the specification, quantity and destination port, and our sales team will prepare a quote.
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