Difference between ABS DQ51 and ABS DQ56 steel plate

Mar 13, 2026 Leave a message

ABS DQ51 is an extra-high-strength marine steel plate certified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) , produced through quenching and tempering (Q&T) . The "DQ" designation signifies it is impact tested at -20°C . It has a minimum yield strength of 500 MPa and tensile strength ranging from 610 to 770 MPa, with minimum elongation of 16% . Impact energy requirements are minimum 50J (longitudinal) or 33J (transverse) at -20°C . The chemical composition features carbon ≤0.20%, manganese ≤1.70%, with microalloying elements including Ni, Cr, and Mo . This grade is widely used in offshore drilling platforms, ship hulls, and marine structures requiring superior strength and toughness.

 

ABS DQ56 is an ultra-high-strength marine steel plate also certified by ABS with impact toughness tested at -40°C, offering enhanced low-temperature performance . The "56" denotes a minimum yield strength of 550 MPa and tensile strength ranging from 670 to 835 MPa, with minimum elongation of 16% . Impact energy requirements are minimum 55J (longitudinal) or 37J (transverse) at -20°C (with some specifications requiring -40°C testing). The chemical composition includes carbon ≤0.20%, manganese ≤1.70%, and significantly higher nickel content (8.0-9.5%) compared to DQ51. This grade is designed for the most demanding offshore structures, including jack-up rigs and critical marine equipment.

 

Both ABS DQ51 and ABS DQ56 are ABS-certified, quenched and tempered ultra-high-strength marine steels with excellent toughness for demanding offshore applications. Their primary differences lie in strength and impact temperature: DQ51 offers a minimum yield strength of 500 MPa with tensile strength of 610-770 MPa and impact testing at -20°C, suitable for high-strength offshore platforms and ship hulls, while DQ56 provides a higher minimum yield strength of 550 MPa with tensile strength reaching 670-835 MPa, with superior low-temperature toughness (often tested at -40°C) enabled by significantly higher nickel content (8.0-9.5%), designed for more extreme environments such as arctic-class offshore structures . Both grades maintain good weldability and are essential for critical marine structural applications.

 

Chemical Composition

 

ABS DQ51 Extra high Strength Chemical Composition in Tempering and Quenching

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

N

ABS DQ51

0.20

0.55

1.7

0.030

0.030

0.02

 

ABS DQ56 Extra high Strength Chemical Composition in Tempering and Quenching

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

N

ABS DQ56

0.20

0.55

1.7

0.030

0.030

0.02

 

Mechanical Property

 

ABS DQ51 Extra high strength property in tempering and quenching

Grade

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

-20

J

J

ABS DQ51

500

610-770

16

33

50

Note: Energy 1 is transverse impact test, Energy 2 is longitudinal

 

ABS DQ56 Extra high strength property in tempering and quenching

Grade

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

-20

J

J

ABS DQ56

550

670-835

16

37

55

Note: Energy 1 is transverse impact test, Energy 2 is longitudinal