Material selection in shipbuilding, from structural steel to high-strength alloys, is critically important for safety and durability.
Steel forming the basis of a ship hull must be selected to withstand the corrosive nature of the marine environment, high pressure and dynamic loads. International Classification Societies set strict requirements for the types of steel to be used.
Structural Ship Steels
Normal strength steels (NS — A, B, D, E grades) and high-strength steels (HS — AH32, DH36, EH36, FH40) are the primary categories used in marine structures. DH36 is the most commonly used grade, offering impact toughness at −20°C.
Corrosion Resistance
Special anti-corrosion steels are used for ballast water tanks and external plating. TMCP (Thermo-Mechanically Controlled Process) steels offer equivalent strength with thinner section thicknesses, reducing structural weight.
Welding Compatibility
The carbon equivalent (CE) of the selected steel directly affects welding procedures. Steels with CE ≤ 0.43 are preferred because they can be welded without preheating.
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