Difference between DNV E420 and DNV E550 steel plate

Mar 17, 2026 Leave a message

DNV E420 is a high-strength structural steel plate certified by DNV (Det Norske Veritas) for marine and offshore applications . The "E" grade signifies it is impact tested at -40°C, with minimum impact energy of 28J (transverse) or 42J (longitudinal) . 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 strictly controlled with carbon ≤0.20% and manganese ≤1.70% . This grade is typically supplied in as-rolled, normalized, or TMCP conditions . It is widely used for hull construction, decks, and offshore structures requiring good strength and weldability .

 

DNV E550 is an extra-high-strength marine steel plate also certified by DNV with impact toughness tested at -40°C . The "550" denotes a minimum yield strength of 550 MPa and tensile strength ranging from 670 to 830 MPa, with minimum elongation of 16% . Impact energy requirements are minimum 37J (transverse) or 55J (longitudinal) at -40°C . The chemical composition features similar limits with carbon ≤0.20% and manganese ≤1.70% . This grade requires advanced processing and is typically supplied in quenched and tempered (QT) or TMCP conditions. It is designed for demanding structural components in shipbuilding and offshore platforms requiring superior strength.

 

Both DNV E420 and DNV E550 are DNV-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 E550 provides a higher minimum yield strength of 550 MPa with tensile strength reaching 670-830 MPa, designed for more demanding load-bearing applications requiring superior strength. Both grades feature controlled chemical composition with similar alloying limits, but E550 requires more advanced processing like QT or TMCP to achieve its enhanced mechanical properties while maintaining good weldability for critical marine service.

 

Chemical Composition

 

DNV E420 extra high Strength Chemical Composition

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

Al

N

DNV E420

0.20

0.10-0.55

1.7

0.030

0.030

0.015-0.08

0.020

Nb

V

Ti

Cu

B

Ni

Mo

0.02-0.05

0.04-0.10

0.02

 

0.005

 

 

 

DNV E550 extra high Strength Chemical Composition

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

Al

N

DNV E550

0.20

0.10-0.55

1.7

0.030

0.030

0.015-0.08

0.020

Nb

V

Ti

Cu

B

Ni

Mo

0.02-0.05

0.04-0.10

0.02

 

0.005

 

 

 

Mechanical Property

 

DNV E420 extra high general strength property

Grade

 

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Thickness

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

DNV E420

mm

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

-40

J

J

t≤50

420

530-680

18%

28

42

50<t≤70

420

530-680

18%

28

42

70<t≤150

420

530-680

18%

28

42

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

 

DNV E550 extra high general strength property

Grade

 

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Thickness

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

DNV E550

mm

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

-40

J

J

t≤50

550

670-830

16%

37

55

50<t≤70

550

670-830

16%

37

55

70<t≤150

550

670-830

16%

37

55

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