ABS AQ47 and CCS AQ47 are both extra-high-strength steel plates specifically designed for offshore engineering and marine structures. They are certified by two major classification societies-ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) and CCS (China Classification Society)-but are technically equivalent in terms of mechanical properties and intended applications.
ABS Grade AQ47 is certified by the American Bureau of Shipping and is classified as an extra-high-strength structural steel plate primarily used in offshore engineering projects . It has a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa and a tensile strength range of 570-720 MPa . The designation "AQ47" indicates a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa, with the "A" representing impact testing at 0°C . This grade requires Charpy V-Notch impact energy of 31J (transverse) or 46J (longitudinal) at 0°C . Typical applications include offshore oil platforms, FPSOs (Floating Production Storage and Offloading), offshore wind farms, subsea pipelines, and drilling rigs .
CCS Grade AQ47 is certified by the China Classification Society and serves as the direct equivalent to ABS AQ47 in the Chinese classification system . According to product catalogs from major steel manufacturers, CCS AQ47 shares identical mechanical property requirements with its ABS counterpart: minimum yield strength of 460 MPa and Charpy impact testing at 0°C . It is included in the same product family as AQ43-EQ43, AQ47-EQ47, and AQ51-EQ51 series for shipbuilding and offshore applications.
Key Differences:
The primary distinction between these two grades lies in their certifying authority and the corresponding quality control system . ABS AQ47 complies with American Bureau of Shipping rules and is recognized internationally, particularly in projects requiring ABS certification for offshore platforms and vessels destined for ABS-classed fleets. CCS AQ47 complies with China Classification Society rules and is typically specified for offshore structures built in Chinese shipyards or for projects under Chinese classification. From a technical perspective, these steels are considered interchangeable, and major manufacturers can produce plates certified by both societies simultaneously . The choice between them is typically determined by the flag state of the vessel, shipyard preferences, or specific project requirements. Both grades must be supplied with mill test certificates (MTC) bearing classification society surveyor signatures.
Mechnical property for ABS Grade AQ47 shipbuilding plate:
| Yield strength (≥Mpa) | Tensile strength (Mpa) | Steel mark |
| 460 | 570-720 | |
| AB/AQ47 |
Mechnical property for CCS Grade AQ47 shipbuilding plate:
| Yield Strength (MPa) min. | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation min. % |
| 460 | 570-720 | 17 |
Chemical composition for ABS Grade AQ47 ship plate
| Main chemical elements composition of ABS Grade AQ47 | |||||
| C | Si | Mn | P | S | N |
| 0.21 | 0.55 | 1.70 | 0.035 | 0.035 | 0.02 |
Chemical composition for CCS Grade AQ47 ship plate
Main chemical elements composition of CCS Grade AQ47
| C max | Si max | Mn | P max | S max | N max. |
|
0.21 |
0.55 | 1.70 |
0.030 |
0.030 |
0.020 |




