What are difference between DNV D and DNV E steel plate?

Mar 09, 2026 Leave a message

DNV D is an ordinary-strength structural steel certified by DNV for shipbuilding and marine applications, with a minimum yield strength of 235 MPa and tensile strength of 400-520 MPa . The "D" grade signifies it is impact tested at -20°C, with minimum impact energy of 20J (transverse) or 27J (longitudinal) for thicknesses up to 50mm . The chemical composition features carbon ≤0.21%, manganese ≥0.60%, and silicon 0.10-0.35%, with aluminum ≥0.015% for grain refinement . This grade is typically supplied in normalized, TMCP, or controlled rolled conditions . It is widely used for hull structures and offshore platforms operating in cold marine environments such as the North Atlantic .

 

DNV E is also an ordinary-strength structural steel certified by DNV with identical minimum yield strength of 235 MPa and tensile strength of 400-520 MPa as Grade D . The "E" designation requires impact testing at the significantly lower temperature of -40°C, with minimum impact energy of 20J (transverse) or 27J (longitudinal) for thicknesses up to 50mm . The chemical composition is more strictly controlled with carbon ≤0.18% and manganese ≥0.70% to achieve superior low-temperature toughness . This grade is supplied in normalized, quenched and tempered, or TMCP conditions . It is designed for Arctic service, ice-going vessels, and structures operating in polar regions where the risk of brittle fracture is highest .

 

Both DNV D and DNV E are ordinary-strength marine steels with identical mechanical properties: minimum yield strength of 235 MPa and tensile strength of 400-520 MPa . Their primary difference lies in low-temperature toughness: DNV D is impact tested at -20°C, suitable for general oceangoing vessels in cold climates, while DNV E is tested at -40°C, essential for operations in severe Arctic or Antarctic conditions . To achieve this superior low-temperature performance, DNV E requires stricter chemical composition control (carbon ≤0.18% vs. ≤0.21% for D) and higher manganese content . Both grades maintain good weldability for marine service, with DNV E being the preferred choice for critical structures in extreme cold environments.

 

Chemical Composition

 

DNV GRADE D general Strength Chemical Composition

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

Al

N

DNV GRADE D

0.21

0.10-0.35

0.60

0.035

0.035

0.015

 

Nb

V

Ti

Cu

Cr

Ni

Mo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DNV GRADE E general Strength Chemical Composition

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

Al

N

DNV GRADE E

0.18

0.10-0.35

0.70

0.035

0.035

0.015

 

Nb

V

Ti

Cu

Cr

Ni

Mo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mechanical Property

 

DNV GRADE D general strength property

Grade

 

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Thickness

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

DNV GRADE D

mm

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

-20

J

J

t≤50

235

400-520

22%

20

27

50<t≤70

235

400-520

22%

24

34

70<t≤150

235

400-520

22%

27

41

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

 

DNV GRADE E general strength property in tempering and quenching

Grade

 

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Thickness

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

DNV GRADE E

mm

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

-40

J

J

t≤50

235

400-520

22%

20

27

50<t≤70

235

400-520

22%

24

34

70<t≤150

235

400-520

22%

27

41

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