Difference between BV E420 and BV E620 steel plate

Mar 02, 2026 Leave a message

BV E420 is a high-strength shipbuilding steel plate certified by Bureau Veritas (BV) . The "E" grade indicates it is tested for excellent low-temperature impact toughness at -40°C, with minimum impact energy of 42J (longitudinal) or 28J (transverse) . It has a minimum yield strength of 420 MPa and tensile strength ranging from 530 to 680 MPa with minimum elongation of 18% . The chemical composition is carefully controlled with carbon ≤0.20%, manganese ≤1.70%, and microalloying elements . This grade is typically supplied in normalized, quenched and tempered (QT), or thermomechanical controlled processed (TMCP) conditions . It is widely used for hull construction, decks, and structural components of ships and offshore structures operating in cold marine environments .

 

BV E620 is an ultra-high-strength marine steel also certified by Bureau Veritas (BV) with impact toughness tested at -40°C . The "620" denotes a minimum yield strength of 620 MPa . It has a higher tensile strength ranging from 720 to 890 MPa and minimum elongation of 15% . The chemical composition features carbon ≤0.20%, manganese ≤1.70%, with strict control of phosphorus and sulfur . This grade requires advanced processing and is typically supplied in quenched and tempered (QT) or TMCP conditions to achieve its superior mechanical properties . It is designed for the most demanding structural components in shipbuilding, offshore drilling units, and marine equipment requiring maximum strength-to-weight ratio .

 

Both BV E420 and BV E620 are BV-certified 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: E420 offers a minimum yield strength of 420 MPa with tensile strength of 530-680 MPa, suitable for general high-strength hull construction and offshore structures, while E620 provides a substantially higher minimum yield strength of 620 MPa with tensile strength reaching 720-890 MPa, designed for extra-high-strength applications in critical load-bearing components. Both grades feature controlled chemical composition with carbon ≤0.20% and manganese ≤1.70% , and require advanced processing like QT or TMCP to achieve their mechanical properties while maintaining good weldability for marine service.

 

Chemical Composition

 

BV E420 extra High Strength Chemical Composition Tempering and Quenching

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

Al(min)

N

BV E420

0.20

0.55

1.70

0.030

0.030

0.015

0.020

 

BV E620 extra High Strength Chemical Composition Tempering and Quenching

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

Al(min)

N

BV E620

0.20

0.55

1.70

0.030

0.030

0.015

0.020

 

Mechanical Property

 

BV E420 extra High strength property in Tempering and Quenching

Grade

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

BV E420

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

-40

J

J

420

530-680

18%

28

42

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

 

BV E620 extra High strength property in Tempering and Quenching

Grade

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

BV E620

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

-40

J

J

620

720-890

15%

41

62

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