Difference between BV E460 and BV E690 steel plate

BV E460 is a high-strength shipbuilding steel plate certified by Bureau Veritas (BV) . The "E" grade signifies it is impact tested at -40°C with minimum impact energy of 31J (transverse) or 46J (longitudinal) . It has a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa and tensile strength ranging from 570 to 720 MPa, with minimum elongation of 17% . The chemical composition is strictly controlled with carbon ≤0.20%, manganese ≤1.70%, and silicon ≤0.55% . This grade is typically supplied in quenched and tempered (QT) or thermomechanical controlled processed (TMCP) conditions. It is widely used for hull construction, offshore platforms, and marine structures operating in cold environments.

BV E690 is an ultra-high-strength marine steel also certified by Bureau Veritas (BV) with impact toughness tested at -40°C . The "690" denotes a minimum yield strength of 690 MPa . It has a tensile strength ranging from 770 to 940 MPa and minimum elongation of 14% . Impact energy requirements are 46J (transverse) or 69J (longitudinal) at -40°C . The chemical composition features carbon ≤0.20%, manganese ≤1.70%, with microalloying elements including Cr, Ni, Mo, and Cu for enhanced properties . This grade requires advanced processing and is exclusively supplied in quenched and tempered (QT) or TMCP conditions . It is designed for the most demanding structural components in shipbuilding, ultra-deepwater offshore platforms, and Arctic-class vessels.

Both BV E460 and BV E690 are BV-certified high-strength marine steels with excellent low-temperature toughness tested at -40°C, ensuring reliable performance in harsh marine environments including Arctic conditions . Their primary difference lies in strength level: E460 offers a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa with tensile strength of 570-720 MPa, suitable for general high-strength hull construction and offshore structures , while E690 provides a substantially higher minimum yield strength of 690 MPa with tensile strength reaching 770-940 MPa, designed for the most demanding load-bearing applications requiring maximum strength-to-weight ratio. 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 superior mechanical properties while maintaining good weldability for critical marine service.

Chemical Composition

Mechanical Property