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ABS AH36 shipbuilding steel plate at SHH STEEL

ABS AH36 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Supplier

ABS AH36 higher-strength hull steel plate, yield 355 N/mm², tensile 490–620 N/mm², Charpy at 0 °C, stamped AB/AH36. SHH STEEL supplies stock and mill-roll plate in China with cutting, multi-class and 3.2 inspection.

Keywords

ABS AH36 steel plate, ABS Grade AH36 shipbuilding plate, AB/AH36 plate, AH/DH/EH/FH 36 hull steel

Equivalent Grades:

ASTM A131 Grade AH36; DNV / LR / BV / CCS / NK / KR / RINA Grade AH36; GB 712 Grade AH36

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Overview

Specification

Chemical Composition

Mechanical Properties

Impact Test and Condition of Supply

Thickness Tolerance

Stock

Equivalent Grades

Grade Selection

Applications and Fabrication

Testing and Inspection

Specification Mistakes

Buyer Concerns

How to Order

FAQ

Conclusion

What is ABS AH36 shipbuilding steel plate?

Technical Reviewer: Jack | SHH STEEL Material Solutions Department · Updated: 2026-10-27

Equivalent grades: ABS AH36 ≈ ASTM A131 Grade AH36 ≈ DNV NV A36 ≈ LR AH36 ≈ BV AH36 ≈ CCS A36 / AH36 ≈ NK KA36 ≈ KR RA36 ≈ RINA AH36 ≈ GB 712 Grade AH36 (all class-approved, stamped by the issuing society).

ABS AH36 is a higher-strength hull structural steel under ABS Rules Part 2, Chapter 1, Section 3 (2-1-3). It belongs to the A-class (0 °C) toughness group at strength level 36: minimum yield 355 N/mm², tensile 490–620 N/mm², elongation 21 % min. Plates are die-stamped AB/AH36 after ABS survey. AH36 is chosen when the hull member needs 355 N/mm² yield but service temperature stays near freezing; impact is at 0 °C.

Thickness coverage for plates: AH/DH/EH 32/36 and AH/DH/EH 40 / FH 32/36/40 are listed up to 150 mm (2-1-3/1). Ordinary-strength ABS Grade A / ABS B / ABS D / ABS E stay at 235 N/mm² yield; AH36 is selected when scantlings need the higher yield of the 36 band.

SHH STEEL supplies ABS AH36 from ABS-approved Chinese mills, stock or mill roll, with optional multi-class and EN 10204 3.2. Related pages: ABS AH32 / ABS AH40; same strength other toughness: ABS DH36 / ABS EH36 / ABS FH36.

ABS AH36 plate: specification summary

Item	ABS AH36 data
Rule	ABS Rules Part 2, 2-1-3 Higher-strength Hull Structural Steel (2023 checked); general 2-1-2 clauses also apply
Strength level	higher strength 36, yield 355 N/mm² min., tensile 490–620 N/mm²
Toughness class	AH → Charpy at 0 °C
Plate thickness covered	up to and including 150 mm (as listed for this grade family in 2-1-3/1)
Deoxidation	killed, fine grain practice (2-1-3/5)
Impact test	Charpy V at 0 °C; frequency and supply condition per 2-1-3/7.3 Table 5
Marking	AB/AH36 (+ Z/U if ordered)
TMCP Ceq (Table 6)	≤ 0.38 % for t ≤ 50 mm; ≤ 0.40 % for 50 < t ≤ 100 mm (TM steels)
Thickness tolerance	minus 0.3 mm (2-1-1/15.3)
Certificate	ABS Surveyor-endorsed mill certificate; EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 on request

Size range. Common market thicknesses for AH36 are about 6–80 mm (heavier plates available as per mill approval), widths 1500–3500 mm. Exact maximum thickness for a given delivery condition is as per standard and mill certificate / ABS works approval.

ABS AH36 chemical composition (heat and product analysis)

Element	Heat (ladle) analysis, %	Product (check) analysis, %	Note
C	0.18 max.	0.22 max. (0.18 + 0.04)	AH/DH/EH group
Mn	0.90–1.60 (AH ≤12.5 mm may be 0.70 min.)	0.81–1.72 (0.90 − 0.09; 1.60 + 0.12)	Note 3: AH ≤12.5 mm may use 0.70 % Mn min.
Si	0.10–0.50	0.04–0.56 (0.10 − 0.06; 0.50 + 0.06)	min. waived if acid-soluble Al ≥ 0.015 %
P	0.035 max.	0.045 max. (0.035 + 0.010)
S	0.035 max.	0.045 max. (0.035 + 0.010)
Al (acid soluble) min.	0.015 min. acid-soluble (or total Al per 2-1-3/5)	0.015 min. (Al not listed in ASTM A6/A6M Table A – heat limit applies)	or total Al per 2-1-3/5; grain refining
Nb	0.02–0.05 when used singly	0.01–0.06 (0.02 − 0.01; 0.05 + 0.01)	when used singly; combined minima in 2-1-3/5
V	0.05–0.10 when used singly	0.04–0.11 (0.05 − 0.01; 0.10 + 0.01)	when used singly
Ti	0.02 max.	0.03 max. (0.02 + 0.01)	need not be reported unless intentionally added
Cu	0.35 max.	0.38 max. (0.35 + 0.03)	may report ≤ 0.02 % if below
Cr	0.20 max.	0.24 max. (0.20 + 0.04)
Ni	0.40 max.	0.43 max. (0.40 + 0.03)	FH allows higher Ni than AH/DH/EH
Mo	0.08 max.	0.09 max. (0.08 + 0.01)
N	—	no heat limit specified – report actual value	not specified as a max in AH/DH/EH Table 1

Product (check) analysis column = heat (ladle) limit adjusted by ASTM A6/A6M-19 Table A “Permitted Variations in Product Analysis”, as required by ABS Rules Part 2, 2-1-2/5.3 (maximum + “over”, minimum − “under”; row chosen by the specified upper limit); arithmetic shown in brackets.

Source: ABS 2-1-3/7.3 Table 1. Heat (ladle) analysis must meet the table. Product (check) analysis, when required, follows ABS 2-1-2/5.3 → ASTM A6 (or other national) tolerances — ABS itself publishes no numeric product limits. AH/DH/EH share one chemistry column; toughness is differentiated by impact temperature and Table 5 supply routes, not by C/Mn caps. TMCP steels must also meet Table 6 Ceq. Ask for product analysis and Ceq/Pcm on the certificate at enquiry.

ABS AH36 tensile properties

Property	Requirement
Tensile strength	490–620 N/mm²
Yield point	355 N/mm² min.
Elongation	21 % min. (alt. A flat / C round)

Source: 2-1-3/7.3 Table 2. Alternative B specimen elongations (Table 3) for XH36:

Thickness (mm)	≤5	5–10	10–15	15–20	20–25	25–30	30–40	40–50
Elongation min. %	13	15	16	17	18	19	20	21

Same tensile band applies to AH/DH/EH/FH 36; only impact temperature and chemistry group (FH vs AH/DH/EH) change across the letter.

ABS AH36: Charpy at 0 °C and supply condition

Thickness	Long. avg. at 0 °C	Trans. avg. at 0 °C
t ≤ 50 mm	34 J	24 J
50 < t ≤ 70 mm	41 J	27 J
70 < t ≤ 100 mm	50 J	34 J
100 < t ≤ 150 mm	54 J	36 J

Source: 2-1-3/7.3 Table 4 (full-size; either direction acceptable). Condition of supply and impact lot size follow Table 5 and depend on grain-refining element (Nb, V, Al, Al+Ti) and thickness. In brief for plates: AH grades allow “any” condition in thinner bands with 50 t lots; DH often N/TM/CR; EH/FH plate routes are predominantly N/TM with each-piece (P) impact in many cells. Exact route for your thickness is as per standard and mill certificate — state the required delivery condition on the PO.

TMCP AH36: carbon equivalent caps 0.38 % (t ≤ 50) and 0.40 % (50 < t ≤ 100) per Table 6; over 100 mm Ceq agreed with ABS at mill qualification.

Thickness tolerance and surface condition

Minus tolerance 0.3 mm (2-1-1/15.3.2). Plus/flatness/width/length per ASTM A6 or as agreed. Surface repair per 2-1-1/3; state primer/surface class in the order if needed.

ABS AH36 plate stock in China

Thickness (mm)	Width (mm)	Length (mm)	Condition	Approx. quantity	Location
6	1800 / 2000	6000 / 8000	AR / CR / N / TM	100+ t	China
8	1800 / 2000	8000 / 12000	AR / CR / N / TM	200+ t	China
10	2000 / 2200	8000 / 12000	AR / CR / N / TM	200+ t	China
12	2000 / 2200 / 2500	12000	AR / CR / N / TM	200+ t	China
14	2000 / 2200	12000	AR / CR / N / TM	100+ t	China
16	2000 / 2500	12000	AR / CR / N / TM	200+ t	China
20	2000 / 2500	12000	AR / CR / N / TM	100+ t	China
25	2200 / 2500	12000	AR / CR / N / TM	100+ t	China
30	2200	10000 / 12000	AR / CR / N / TM	100+ t	China
40	2200	10000	AR / CR / N / TM	50+ t	China
50	2200	8000 / 10000	AR / CR / N / TM	50+ t	China

Quantities are approximate and change daily; all stock plates carry AB/AH36 marking and ABS-endorsed mill certificates. Sizes outside the table are produced in the next mill rolling cycle, typically 3–6 weeks including ABS survey (as per standard and mill certificate for exact lead time). Send your size list and we will reply with stock vs roll.

Packing. Plates are bundled by size with steel strapping, marked with heat number, grade and ABS stamp, and shipped in containers (up to about 11.8 m) or break bulk for longer plates.

ABS AH36 equivalents

Standard / society	Designation	Comment
ASTM A131/A131M	ASTM A131/A131M Grade AH36	A131 lists AH–FH 32/36/40; product standard only
IACS societies	Grade AH36	DNV/LR/BV/CCS/NK/KR/RINA unified UR W11; BV FH36 / BV FH40
GB 712	GB 712 Grade AH36	not class approval by itself
Ordinary-strength ABS	ABS Grade A / Grades B, D, E	235 N/mm² yield family
Same toughness other strength	ABS AH32 / ABS AH40	AH family
Same strength other toughness	ABS DH36 / ABS EH36 / ABS FH36	36 band

Comparisons, not substitutions. Multi-class stamps require joint survey before rolling.

ABS AH36 vs other ABS hull grades

Pick AH36 when the drawing specifies higher-strength grade AH36 (or the society equivalent). Do not substitute ordinary Grade B unless the designer recalculates scantlings — yield differs (355 vs 235). Within the 36 band, letter choice is toughness: AH 0 °C → DH −20 °C → EH −40 °C → FH −60 °C. Within the AH letter, strength steps 32 → 36 → 40 raise yield from 315 to 355 to 390 N/mm².

For yields above 390 N/mm² ABS moves to Extra High Strength (2-1-8, AQ43/DQ47…), commercially often titled AH42/AH46 — see ABS AH42 and siblings.

When ABS AH36 is the right choice: typical uses are higher-strength hull girder plating (deck, bottom, side shell) of bulk carriers, tankers and container ships in normal service where 0 °C toughness suffices. The Charpy temperature (0 °C) is fixed by the letter, and the strength by the number (ReH 355 N/mm²). Pick the strength from the scantling calculation and the letter from the material class and design temperature on the approved drawing. Swapping to a different letter or strength needs class approval of the drawing change, not just a new purchase order.

Applications and welding notes for ABS AH36

Typical uses: strength deck and shell where 355 N/mm² is specified at temperate toughness; weight-saving vs Grade A/B in large tankers and bulkers. See offshore platform steel plates when primary offshore grades apply.

Welding: higher-strength hull steels need approved higher-strength consumables matched to required weld-metal toughness; preheat and heat input follow the approved WPS and often track Ceq/Pcm from the mill certificate (as per standard and mill certificate). TMCP AH36 must respect Table 6 Ceq caps. Cutting by oxy-fuel/plasma/laser is routine; thick QT/FH plate may need hydrogen control — follow mill recommendations.

Processing notes for ABS AH36: cold forming of AH36 is routine within normal shipyard radii. Line heating and fairing of TMCP plate should stay within the temperature limits recommended by the mill, because overheating can reduce the strength gained in controlled rolling. Check the delivery condition on the certificate before planning hot forming.

Certificates, ABS survey and third-party inspection

ABS survey at the mill; certificate includes ladle chemistry, Ceq where applicable, tensile, Charpy at 0 °C, delivery condition and plate identity. Optional EN 10204 3.2, UT (U), Z-direction, multi-class. On receipt: verify AB/AH36 stamp, 0 °C impact data, energies ≥ Table 4, thickness ≥ nominal − 0.3 mm.

Charpy acceptance for ABS AH36 by thickness (from 2-1-3; actual results as per standard and mill certificate):

Thickness t (mm)	Average energy, longitudinal (J min.)	Average energy, transverse (J min.)
t ≤ 50	34	24
50 < t ≤ 70	41	27
70 < t ≤ 100	50	34
100 < t ≤ 150	54	36

On receipt, check that the test temperature on the certificate is 0 °C and that the energy matches the band for the delivered thickness, not the thinnest band. Also check that the plate number on the stamp matches the certificate line, and that the ABS Surveyor endorsement is present. If UT was ordered (e.g. EN 10160 or ASTM A578 level), check the UT report as well. If the PO asked for 3.2, the inspector’s report must name the witnessed tests and plate numbers.

Common mistakes ordering ABS AH36

Ordering “ABS 36” without the letter (AH/DH/EH/FH) — toughness class missing
Accepting ordinary-strength Grade B certificates for a AH36 PO
Ignoring TMCP Ceq caps (0.38/0.40) on TM plate
FH chemistry (tighter P/S, N) not checked when the PO says FH
Coil-cut plate without coil approval
Missing ABS endorsement on the MTC

Write grade, delivery condition, impact temperature and certificate type into the PO.

Sourcing ABS AH36: buyer concerns and SHH STEEL solutions

Concern	How SHH STEEL handles it
Fake class plate	ABS-approved mills only; traceable stamp + certificate; 3.2 on request
Payment risk	T/T or L/C; inspection before balance
Mixed sizes / grades	AH36 combined with A/B/D/E or other AH–FH sizes in one container
Lead time visibility	weekly photo updates from dedicated coordinator
Prep before ship	cutting, bevelling, drilling, machining in our workshop

How to order ABS AH36 plate

Specify ABS AH36 (2-1-3), delivery condition (AR/CR/N/TM/QT as applicable), thickness × width × length × qty, Z/U, multi-class, certificate type, port. Send to SHH STEEL.

Sample PO line: “Steel plate to ABS Rules Part 2 2-1-3, Grade AH36, delivery condition [AR/CR/N/TM/QT], 20 × 2500 × 12000 mm, 30 pcs, marked AB/AH36, certificate endorsed by ABS Surveyor, EN 10204 3.2 [if required], UT [if required], CIF [port].” Each bracketed item changes price, lead time and which mills can supply, so fix them at enquiry stage.

FAQ

What sizes and minimum order quantity can you supply for ABS AH36 plate?

2-1-3/1 lists AH36 plate up to and including 150 mm. Most enquiries we receive for AH36 are 8–60 mm thick, 1800–3000 mm wide and 6000–12000 mm long. Popular sizes can come from China stock carrying the AB/AH36 marking, with no fixed minimum. A mill rolling for a special width, thickness above roughly 60 mm or a Z-grade normally needs a minimum quantity per size, which we confirm per order. We can combine several sizes, or AH36 with other hull grades, to reach a rolling or container quantity.

How is ABS AH36 certified, and can you arrange EN 10204 3.2 witness inspection?

Every plate is made by an ABS-approved mill under ABS survey. It is die-stamped or stencilled AB/AH36 with the heat or plate number, and the mill test certificate is endorsed by the ABS Surveyor. The certificate gives the ladle chemistry, the tensile results (ReH ≥ 355 N/mm², Rm 490–620 N/mm², A ≥ 21 %), the Charpy results at 0 °C, the delivery condition and the plate identity. If your contract asks for EN 10204 3.2, we arrange it before rolling. The witness can be the ABS Surveyor, a second class society (dual or multi-class stamping, e.g. ABS + DNV or LR), or a third-party inspector such as SGS or BV who witnesses the tests and checks the markings. 3.2 cannot be added after the plates have been tested, so please state it on the enquiry.

What is the impact test temperature and energy for ABS AH36, and do thickness limits apply?

ABS AH36 is tested at 0 °C. Required average energies (longitudinal/transverse, J min.) under 2-1-3 Table 4 rise with thickness: ≤50 mm 34/24; 50–70 mm 41/27; 70–100 mm 50/34; 100–150 mm 54/36. This matters when you order thick AH36: a 60 mm plate must meet higher values than a 20 mm plate at the same 0 °C. The test lot size and the permitted delivery condition (AR, CR, N, TM or QT) for each thickness follow 2-1-3 Table 5. Above 100 mm, ABS also asks for tensile and impact data at quarter and mid thickness (2-1-1/16). Results are as per standard and mill certificate.

What welding and preheat guidance applies to ABS AH36?

ABS AH36 needs higher-strength welding consumables approved for 0 °C weld-metal toughness. For TMCP plate, 2-1-3 Table 6 caps the carbon equivalent at 0.38 % (t ≤ 50 mm) and 0.40 % (50 < t ≤ 100 mm); above 100 mm it is agreed at mill approval. N or AR plate of the same grade may have a higher actual Ceq, so the delivery condition affects how easy the plate is to weld. Preheat, interpass temperature and heat input must follow your ABS-approved WPS. We send the mill certificate’s ladle analysis and Ceq before shipment so the welding engineer can confirm the procedure qualifies. We do not give generic preheat temperatures.

What is the delivery time for ABS AH36 plate?

Stock sizes of ABS AH36 can usually be cut, inspected and loaded in about 7–15 days. Mill-rolled orders typically take about 3–6 weeks plus inspection, depending on thickness, delivery condition and the mill schedule. These are commercial estimates, confirmed with each quote. If 3.2 witness or multi-class survey is required, we book the inspector when we place the mill order so testing is not delayed. A dedicated coordinator sends weekly progress photos (rolling, marking, testing, packing, loading) until the bill of lading is issued.

Which payment terms do you accept for ABS AH36, and how is my deposit protected?

We accept T/T or L/C at sight. With T/T, the usual terms are a 30 % deposit and the balance against the documents or after inspection. You or your inspector can check the AB/AH36 stamping, the dimensions and the Surveyor-endorsed certificate before you pay the balance, so the plate is verified before most of the money moves. With L/C, payment is tied to the presented documents (commercial invoice, packing list, B/L, mill certificate, and the 3.2 or class certificate if you require one). For first orders we can start with a smaller trial lot. The proforma invoice shows the grade, sizes and certificate type, so the contract and the delivered plate match.

What are the equivalent grades of ABS AH36 among class societies and GB 712?

ABS AH36 corresponds to ASTM A131/A131M Grade AH36, Grade AH36 of DNV / LR / BV / CCS / NK / KR / RINA, and GB 712 Grade AH36. All share yield 355 N/mm², tensile 490–620 N/mm² and a Charpy test at 0 °C under the IACS unified requirements. Even so, a plate is only accepted by the society whose stamp and certificate it carries. Order ABS AH36 for ABS class, or ask for multi-class (e.g. ABS + DNV + LR) when one stock must serve several projects. GB 712 or A131 certificates alone do not replace the ABS stamp.

Can you cut, bevel or machine ABS AH36 plates, and how are they packed for export?

Yes. In our workshop we can flame, plasma or laser cut AH36 to drawings, bevel weld edges (V, X or K preparation to your angle and land), drill and machine. Every cut piece keeps traceability: we transfer the AB/AH36 marking and heat number before cutting, and the cutting list is tied to the mill certificate. For export, plates are bundled with steel straps and timber spacers, marked with grade, size and heat number, and loaded in containers or as break-bulk. Shot blasting and shop primer are available on request. Loading photos and a packing list come with each shipment. See SHH STEEL for our processing capabilities.

Conclusion

ABS AH36 is higher-strength hull steel: yield 355 N/mm², tensile 490–620 N/mm², Charpy at 0 °C, marking AB/AH36. Lock on the order: delivery condition per Table 5, impact lot size, TMCP Ceq if TM, product analysis if needed, multi-class and 3.2.

SHH STEEL supplies AH36 from ABS-approved mills with Surveyor-endorsed certificates, stock or roll, optional 3.2 and multi-class.

T/T or L/C with inspection before balance; mixed containers; photo follow-up; in-house cutting/bevelling/drilling/machining.

Request a quotation: send SHH STEEL ABS AH36, sizes, qty, port and any multi-class/Z/U/3.2 needs.

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