Difference between ABS EH40 and CCS EH40 steel plate - Knowledge

ABS EH40 is a high-strength hull structural steel certified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). The "E" signifies that the steel is suitable for service at low temperatures, with its Charpy V-notch impact toughness tested at -40°C. The "H" stands for high strength, and "40" indicates its minimum yield strength of 390 MPa (56.6 ksi). It has a tensile strength ranging from 510 to 660 MPa . This grade is produced under the ABS Rules for Materials and Welding and is primarily used in the construction of ships, barges, and offshore structures that require added strength and reliability in marine environments.

CCS EH40 is an equivalent high-strength shipbuilding plate certified by the China Classification Society (CCS) . It shares the same fundamental properties as its ABS counterpart: a minimum yield strength of 390 MPa, tensile strength of 510-660 MPa, and critical impact testing at -40°C to ensure toughness in cold conditions . The chemical composition and mechanical properties strictly comply with CCS rules, which are harmonized with international standards . It is widely used in similar applications, including hull construction, decks, and offshore platforms for various vessels like container ships and oil tankers.

Both ABS EH40 and CCS EH40 designate the same high-strength marine structural steel with a minimum yield strength of 390 MPa and verified impact toughness at -40°C. The only practical difference lies in the certifying body: ABS EH40 is approved by the American Bureau of Shipping, while CCS EH40 is approved by the China Classification Society. Manufacturers can produce this steel plate to meet the rules of either society, and both grades are fully interchangeable in shipbuilding and offshore engineering, provided the project's governing classification society accepts the certification. Their chemical compositions and mechanical performance are nearly identical, ensuring consistent quality for critical marine applications.

Chemical Composition

ABS EH40 high Strength Chemical Composition
Grade	The Element Max (%)
Grade	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Al	N
ABS EH40	0.18	0.1-0.50	0.90-1.6	0.035	0.035	0.015
	Nb	V	Ti	Cu	Cr	Ni	Mo
	0.02-0.05	0.05-0.10	0.02	0.35	0.2	0.4	0.08

CCS EH40 high Strength Chemical Composition
C	Si	Mn	P	S	Al (acid) min.	Nb
0.18	0.10-0.50	0.90-1.60	0.035	0.035	0.015	0.02-0.05
V	Ti	Cu	Cr	Ni	Mo
0.05-0.10	0.02	0.35	0.20	0.40	0.08

Mechanical Property

ABS EH40 high strength property
Grade		Mechanical Property			Charpy V Impact Test
Grade	Thickness	Yield	Tensile	Elongation	Degree	Energy 1	Energy 2
ABS EH40	mm	Min Mpa	Mpa	Min %	0	J	J
	t≤50	390	510-650	20%		26	39
	50＜t≤70	390	510-650	20%		31	46
	70＜t≤100	390	510-650	20%		37	55
Note: Energy 1 is transverse impact test, Energy 2 is longitudinal

CCS EH40 high strength property

Yield strength (≥Mpa)	Tensile strength (Mpa)	Elongation in ≥,%
390	510-650	200mm	50mm
		19	22