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Shipbuilding Steel
Shipbuilding Steel
Shipbuilding Steel｜Global Sourcing for Engineering & Procurement
1. Product positioning and application scope
Shipbuilding steel covers hull plates (normal and high strength), sections (bulb flats, I/H-beams, angles and channels), marine pipes (carbon, low-temperature, stainless, duplex stainless and copper-nickel), and cryogenic specials for LNG systems. Applicable ship types include bulk carriers, tankers, container ships, Ro-Pax, fishing vessels, LNG carriers, offshore support vessels and FPSO topsides. Overall performance targets balance strength, toughness, weldability and corrosion resistance under class rules with fatigue and corrosion-addition design.
2. Standards matrix (from design to materials and inspection)
(1) Design and rules: IACS Common Structural Rules (CSR, now embedded in each society’s rules) and individual class construction rules (ABS, DNV, LR, BV, CCS, NK, KR, RINA). (2) Materials: ASTM A131 and GB 712 for plates and sections, together with IACS UR-W series (e.g., UR W11). (3) Marine piping: ASTM A106 (carbon steel), ASTM A333 (low-temperature carbon steel), ASTM A312 (austenitic stainless), ASTM A789/ASTM A790 (duplex stainless), ASTM B111 (Cu-Ni), and GB/T 5312 (seamless carbon/alloy steel pipes for ships). (4) Plate UT and Z-direction properties: EN 10160 and EN 10164. (5) Coating and corrosion: IMO PSPC for ballast and cargo oil tanks and CRS provisions. (6) Dimensional tolerances and flatness: EN 10029 and ASTM A6.
3. Scene–Material–Standard–Size mapping (quick text guide)
(a) General strength areas and outfitting: Grades A/B/D/E (yield ≈ 235 MPa); impact temperature tightens from A to E.
(b) Primary hull members: Use AH/DH/EH/FH 32/36/40 (yield ≈ 315/355/390 MPa) by service temperature; specify Z25/Z35 for thick plates and triaxial nodes.
(c) Ballast tanks and splash zones: In addition to strength grade, specify IMO PSPC, target DFT and “90/10 rule,” and submit the coating technical file (CTF).
(d) Low-temperature and polar service: State impact temperature and single-value criteria; EH series are typical for cold bulkheads.
(e) Seawater and fire-main piping: Cu-Ni 90/10 or 70/30 per ASTM B111 with matching flanges and NDE.
(f) Clean/corrosion-resistant media lines: Austenitic stainless per ASTM A312 with sanitary or compatibility addenda as needed.
(g) Chloride-rich seawater service: Duplex 2205/2507 per ASTM A789/ASTM A790 with phase balance and pitting tests.
(h) LNG and deep-cryogenic systems: 9%Ni pipes/plates per ASTM A333/A553 or system approval rules; WPS/PQR qualified at low temperature.
4. Size ranges and tolerances
(a) Plates and sections: Thickness ≈ 6–100 mm; max plate width ≤ 4,200 mm; length ≤ 18 m; bulb flats ≈ 60×4 to 430×20 mm; I/H-beams commonly H100 to H900. Use EN 10029 or ASTM A6 for thickness and flatness tolerances.
(b) Marine pipes: OD ≈ 10–600 mm, ends plain or beveled, length 6 m or 12 m; large headers up to ~1,200 mm by project; flanges per ASME B16.5/B16.47.
5. Manufacturing flow and key controls
Steelmaking via BOF/EAF followed by secondary refining; vacuum treatment and Ca-treatment where applicable for cleanliness and element control. Rolling/heat-treatment routes include TMCP (controlled rolling/cooling), normalizing, or quench-and-temper depending on strength class. TMCP provides lower CEV, better HAZ toughness and weight reduction; Q&T is for higher strength or thick plates with strict temper stability and welding heat input control. Specify Z25/Z35 for thick plates and cruciform/tri-axial joints in drawings and POs.
6. Quality inspection and documentation
Chemistry and mechanics per ASTM A131/GB 712 and class rules; impact at target temperature meeting average and single values; plate UT per EN 10160 or ASTM A578; Z-direction properties per EN 10164; coating to IMO PSPC with CTF; EN 10204 3.2 certification with heat/batch and full traceability.
7. Supply forms and packing
Supply as heavy/medium plates, sections, cut-to-shape parts, and complete pipe/fittings/flanges packages. Surface as blasted plus shop-primer or oiled (compatible with follow-on systems). Mark heat/grade/standard/state, dimensions, Z-level, UT class and certificate number; cut parts carry piece IDs and assembly marks.
8. Ordering checklist (copy-ready)
Standards and class acceptance; dimensions and tolerances (t×W×L, straightness, edge quality, bevel type); low-temperature toughness (impact T/energy, DWTT/CTOD as needed); UT and Z-direction classes; piping addenda (standard/grade, OD×WT×L or NPS×Schedule, ends, rating, NDE/hydro); coating system (IMO PSPC, DFT, primer compatibility, colors/coats, CTF).
9. Grade selection guide (brief)
Cost/lead-time: A/B/AH32/AH36 are common. Weight and weldability: TMCP DH/EH preferred. Polar/low-temperature: choose stricter impact grades or FH and state test temperature. Thick plates/nodes: specify Z25/Z35 and mark areas in drawings. Seawater and fire mains: Cu-Ni 90/10 or 70/30 with matched flanges and NDE.
10. Risks and do-not-accept items
Do not confuse AH36 with ASTM A36; never substitute API 5L or EN 10025 for hull steel; do not deploy plates without verified target-temperature toughness or without required Z-properties at tri-axial joints; PSPC non-compliance on salt, profile, DFT and compatibility is rejectable; TMCP materials reworked under high heat input require re-qualification.
11. Representative spec lines (copy-ready)
(a) Ballast-tank plate: “ASTM A131 DH36 (TMCP), t 22 mm × 3,200 mm × 12,000 mm; CVN ≥ 34 J @ −20 °C; EN 10160 S2/E2; EN 10164 Z25; Sa2½ blast + zinc-silicate shop primer (compatibility report attached); EN 10204 3.2 (DNV witness).”
(b) Polar bulkhead: “GB 712 EH36 (TMCP), t 28 mm × 3,000 mm × 12,000 mm; CVN ≥ 41 J @ −40 °C; EN 10160 S2/E3; Z35; 3.2 certificate.”
(c) Seawater main: “ASTM B111 C70600 (90/10), OD 219.1 mm × WT 6.35 mm × L 6 m, ends BE; 100% ET + hydro; mating ASME B16.5 Class 150 Cu-Ni flanges; MTC 3.1/3.2.”
(d) Cryogenic line: “ASTM A333 Gr.8 (9%Ni), OD 168.3 mm × WT 7.11 mm × L 12 m; UT/ET + hydro; welding procedures qualified at low temperature; MTC 3.2 (LR witness).”
12. Representative global producers (examples, A–Z)
Europe: ArcelorMittal, Dillinger, Salzgitter, thyssenkrupp, voestalpine Grobblech, SSAB, NLMK Clabecq. Japan: JFE Steel, Nippon Steel. Korea: POSCO, Hyundai Steel. China: Baowu, Ansteel, Wuyang, HBIS/Shisteel, Shougang, Rizhao. Sections and bulb flats are supplied by these mills and specialized makers with class approvals. Marine pipe packages from Vallourec, Tenaris, Jindal and Kobelco; Cu-Ni tubing supplied by EU/Asia specialists under ASTM B111 with class approvals.
Shipbuilding Steel｜Technical Specifications
1. Definition and scope
• Plates (normal/high strength), sections (bulb flats, H-beams, angles/channels), ship pipes (carbon/low-temp steels, stainless/duplex, Cu-Ni), and LNG/cryogenic specials.
• Applicable to bulk carriers, tankers, container ships, RoPax, fishing vessels, LNG carriers, offshore service vessels and FPSO topsides.
• Balanced targets: strength–toughness–weldability–corrosion resistance under class rules, fatigue and corrosion-addition design.
2. Codes and standards matrix
• Structural design: IACS CSR (Common Structural Rules; integrated in class rulebooks).
• Materials (plates/sections): ASTM A131 (A/B/D/E; AH/DH/EH/F32/36/40), GB 712; IACS UR W-series (e.g., UR W11 general requirements for plates/sections).
• Piping: ASTM A106 (carbon), ASTM A333 (low-temp incl. Gr.6/Gr.3/Gr.8), ASTM A312 (austenitic stainless), ASTM A790/A789 (duplex 2205/2507), ASTM B111 (Cu-Ni C70600/C71500), GB/T 5312 (ship seamless steels).
• NDE and supplementary properties: EN 10160 (plate UT), ASTM A578 (UT alt.), EN 10164 (Z15/Z25/Z35).
• Coating/corrosion: IMO PSPC (MSC.215(82) ballast tanks, MSC.288(87) COT), IMO MSC.289(87) (CRS), ISO 12944-9 (CX/Im4).
• Tolerances: EN 10029 (plates), ASTM A6 (general).
3. Material families and grades
• Normal strength: A/B/D/E (≈235 MPa yield; D/E are low-temp impact grades).
• High strength: AH/DH/EH/F32/36/40 (≈315/355/390 MPa yield bands; letter indicates tougher impact temperature from +20 °C down to about −60 °C per class).
• Delivery conditions: TMCP/controlled rolling, Normalizing (N), Quenched & Tempered (Q&T). TMCP gives low CEV and robust HAZ toughness; Q&T suits higher strength/thickness but requires tighter heat-input and tempering control.
• Z-direction: specify EN 10164 Z25/Z35 for thick plates and triaxial joints (marked on drawings and PO).
• Pipes: A106 Gr.B/Gr.C (fuel/steam/general), A333 Gr.6/Gr.3 (LT), A333 Gr.8 (9%Ni cryogenic), A312 304/316L (clean/corrosive), A790 2205/2507 (seawater/Cl-), B111 C70600/C71500 (seawater/firewater).
• LNG containment/cryogenic plates: A553-I (9%Ni for independent/land tanks); membranes: Mark III (304L) / NO96 (Invar® 36%Ni) with licensed procedures.
4. Sizes and capability (typical; confirm mill and project)
• Plates/sections: 6–100 mm thick (heavier by approval), width ≤ 4200 mm, length ≤ 18 m; bulb flats ≈ 60×4 to 430×20 mm; H-beams ≈ H100–H900.
• Pipes: OD 10–600 mm typical, up to ~1200 mm for mains; PE/BE ends; 6/12 m lengths; flanges to ASME B16.5/B16.47 (Class 150/300/600 common).
• Tolerances: EN 10029 or ASTM A6; plate edges with bevels; straightness per yard fit-up.
5. Manufacture and process control (plates/sections)
• Steelmaking: BOF/EAF → LF/VD/VOD; control C/S/P/N and inclusions (Ca treatment where applicable).
• Casting/rolling: continuous slab; TMCP for fine grains; Q&T heavy plates verified by hardness/impact and, as specified, metallography.
• NDE: plate UT per EN 10160 / ASTM A578; edge/splice zones enhanced.
• Z-direction tests: EN 10164 sampling and reduction area; Z25/Z35 for designated joints.
• Pre-coating: Sa2½ blast, 30–75 μm profile, soluble salt ≤ 50 mg/m²; PSPC epoxy with 90/10 rule (ballast NDFT ≈ 320 μm typical).
6. Service–material–standard quick mapping (contract-ready)
• Decks/bulkheads/longitudinals (temperate): AH36/DH36 (ASTM A131 or GB 712) with TMCP; Z25/Z35 for thick/triaxial joints; plate UT per EN 10160.
• Cold/Arctic routes (−20/−40/−60 °C): DH/EH/FH grades at target temperature; HAZ heat-input control per mill/class; verify CVN at Tmin.
• Ballast tanks: hull plates + PSPC (MSC.215(82)); Sa2½, salts ≤ 50 mg/m²; epoxy NDFT ≈ 320 μm; shop primer (zinc silicate) must be compatible.
• Cargo oil tanks: hull plates + PSPC-COT (MSC.288(87)); CRS (MSC.289(87)) as enhancement/alternative.
• Seawater/firewater/ballast piping: B111 C70600 (90/10) baseline; C71500 (70/30) for high velocity/erosion points; A790 2205/2507 where higher pitting/crevice-resistance or SCC resistance is required.
• Fuel/lube/steam: A106 Gr.B/Gr.C; select Schedule by P/T; gauge/pressure test and gauging post-weld.
• Low-temperature piping (−46 to −101 °C): A333 Gr.6/Gr.3; verify impact and welding.
• LNG (≈ −162 °C): A333 Gr.8 (9%Ni) for piping; A553-I for independent tanks; membrane systems to licensed specs (304L/Invar).
• Common pitfalls to forbid: AH36 ≠ A36; API 5L not for hull; weathering steel not for splash/submerged zones.
7. Welding and outfitting (yard execution)
• WPS/PQR per class Part 2 and ISO 15614-1; class-approved consumables; hardness/impact/metalography and CTOD where specified.
• Low-hydrogen regime; preheat/interpass set by CEV/thickness/restraint; manage heat-input to avoid TMCP degradation/Q&T temper embrittlement.
• NDE: plate UT (edge/splice enhanced); weld RT/UT/PT/MT by class; tightness tests for fluid boundaries.
• Geometry/shrinkage: control misalignment/gaps; grind transitions on fatigue-sensitive details.
• CTF (PSPC coating technical file): mandatory records of climate, salts, profile, DFT, holidays, adhesion, compatibility and repairs.
8. QA/ITP and documentation
• Chemistry/mechanics per A131/GB 712 and class rules; CVN at Tmin (avg/min as specified); drop-weight where required.
• NDE per EN 10160 / ASTM A578; weld NDE by class; Z-direction tests and ratios agreed.
• PSPC compliance: Sa2½, salts/profile, NDFT “90/10 rule”, compatibility report, CTF.
• Certificates: EN 10204 3.2 with class witnessing; full heat/batch traceability.
9. Delivery and packing
• Forms: plates/sections, cut parts, pipe/fittings/flanges packages.
• Surface: blasted + shop primer or oiled; edge protection/lashing.
• Marking: grade/standard/condition, size, heat/batch ID, Z-class, UT class, cert No.; part IDs and orientation on cut parts.
10. RFQ/PO checklist (ready-to-use)
11. Standard & class: e.g., “ASTM A131 EH36 (TMCP), DNV approved” or “GB 712 EH36 (TMCP), CCS approved”.
12. Size & tolerances: t × width × length; flatness/edge quality; bevel spec.
13. Toughness: CVN at target temperature; drop-weight/CTOD where required.
14. UT & Z-direction: EN 10160 level (edge/splice enhanced); EN 10164 Z25/Z35 + locations.
15. Piping: standard + grade (A106/A333/A312/A790/B111 etc.), OD × WT × L or NPS × Sch, end type, pressure class, NDE/hydro ratio.
16. Coating: PSPC system and NDFT; shop-primer compatibility; colours/coats; CTF deliverables.
17. Witness & docs: EN 10204 3.2; MTC, NDE, impact/low-temp, PSPC CTF, traceability list.
18. Risks and “no-go” items
• Confusing AH36 with A36; replacing hull steels with API 5L or general structural grades; missing CVN at service Tmin; lacking Z25/Z35 for triaxial joints; PSPC non-compliance; excessive re-weld/heat-input on TMCP without re-qualification.
12. Global industry clusters and indicative mills (alphabetical; verify approval scope for RFQs)
• Europe: ArcelorMittal (incl. Industeel), Dillinger, Salzgitter, thyssenkrupp, voestalpine Grobblech, SSAB, NLMK Clabecq.
• Japan: JFE Steel, Nippon Steel.
• Korea: POSCO, Hyundai Steel.
• China: Baowu (Baosteel), Ansteel, Wuyang Steel, HBIS/Shisteel, Shougang, Rizhao Steel.
• Piping & packages: Vallourec, Tenaris, Jindal, Kobelco and regional Cu-Ni/stainless/duplex specialists with class approvals.
13. Example spec lines
• Ballast tank plate (PSPC):
“ASTM A131 DH36 (TMCP), 22 mm × 3200 mm × 12000 mm; CVN ≥ 34 J @ −20 °C; EN 10160 S2/E2; EN 10164 Z25; Sa2½ + zinc-silicate shop primer (compatibility report attached); EN 10204 3.2 (DNV witnessed).”
• Cold-region bulkhead:
“GB 712 EH36 (TMCP), 28 mm × 3000 mm × 12000 mm; CVN ≥ 41 J @ −40 °C; EN 10160 S2/E3; Z35; 3.2 certificate.”
• Seawater main:
“ASTM B111 C70600 (90/10), OD 219.1 mm × WT 6.35 mm × L 6 m, BE; 100% ET + hydro; ASME B16.5 Class 150 Cu-Ni flanges; MTC 3.1/3.2.”
• LNG low-temp pipe:
“ASTM A333 Gr.8 (9%Ni), OD 168.3 mm × WT 7.11 mm × L 12 m; UT/ET + hydro; welding WPS/PQR at cryogenic temperature; MTC 3.2 (LR witnessed).”
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