Difference between BV E550 and BV E620 steel plate

Mar 03, 2026 Leave a message

BV E550 is an extra-high-strength marine steel plate certified by Bureau Veritas (BV) . The "E" grade signifies it is impact tested at -40°C, ensuring reliable performance in extreme cold environments such as Arctic waters . It has a minimum yield strength of 550 MPa and tensile strength ranging from 670 to 830 MPa, with minimum elongation of 16% . The chemical composition is strictly 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 demanding structural components in shipbuilding, offshore platforms, and marine equipment.

 

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 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 . It is designed for the most critical load-bearing applications in shipbuilding, ultra-deepwater offshore platforms, and Arctic-class vessels.

 

Both BV E550 and BV E620 are BV-certified extra-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: E550 offers a minimum yield strength of 550 MPa with tensile strength of 670-830 MPa, suitable for high-strength offshore structures , while E620 provides a substantially higher minimum yield strength of 620 MPa with tensile strength reaching 720-890 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

 

BV E550 extra High Strength Chemical Composition Tempering and Quenching

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

Al(min)

N

BV E550

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 E550 extra High strength property in Tempering and Quenching

Grade

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

BV E550

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

-40

J

J

550

670-830

16%

37

55

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