Difference between ABS EQ51 and ABS EQ56 steel plate

Mar 16, 2026 Leave a message

ABS EQ51 is an ultra-high-strength marine steel plate certified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). The "E" designation signifies it is impact tested at -40°C, ensuring excellent low-temperature toughness for demanding marine environments . It has a minimum yield strength of 500 MPa (73 ksi) and tensile strength ranging from 610 to 770 MPa (88-112 ksi), with minimum elongation of 16% . Impact energy requirements are minimum 50J (longitudinal) or 33J (transverse) at -40°C . This grade is typically produced using quenching and tempering (Q&T) processes and is widely used in offshore drilling platforms, ship hulls, and critical marine structures .

 

ABS EQ56 is also an ultra-high-strength marine steel plate certified by ABS with impact toughness tested at -40°C . 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 -40°C . The chemical composition features carbon ≤0.20% and manganese ≤1.70% . This grade is manufactured using quenching and tempering (Q&T) processes and is designed for the most demanding offshore structures, including drilling platforms, jack-up rig legs, and floating production storage vessels (FPSOs) .

 

Both ABS EQ51 and ABS EQ56 are ABS-certified ultra-high-strength marine steels with excellent low-temperature toughness tested at -40°C, ensuring reliable performance in harsh marine environments. Their primary difference lies in strength level: EQ51 offers a minimum yield strength of 500 MPa with tensile strength of 610-770 MPa, suitable for high-strength offshore platforms and shipbuilding , while EQ56 provides a substantially higher minimum yield strength of 550 MPa with tensile strength reaching 670-835 MPa, designed for more demanding load-bearing applications requiring superior strength. Both grades feature controlled chemical composition, are produced using quenching and tempering (Q&T) processes, and maintain good weldability for critical marine structural applications.

 

Chemical Composition

 

ABS EQ51 Extra high Strength Chemical Composition in Tempering and Quenching

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

N

ABS EQ51

0.20

0.55

1.7

0.030

0.030

0.02

 

ABS EQ56 Extra high Strength Chemical Composition in Tempering and Quenching

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

N

ABS EQ56

0.20

0.55

1.7

0.030

0.030

0.02

 

Mechanical Property

 

ABS EQ51 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 %

-40

J

J

ABS EQ51

500

610-770

16

33

50

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

 

ABS EQ56 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 %

-40

J

J

ABS EQ56

550

670-835

16

37

55

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