What Makes CCS Grade E shipbuilding Steel Plates the Ideal Choice for Low-Temperature Marine Environments?
- May 21, 2026
Knowledge
Key Differences Between CCS Grade E and Grade A, B and D Steel Plates
CCS Grade A, B, D and E shipbuilding plates share the same strength grades, with a yield strength of ≥ 235 MPa and a tensile strength of 400–520 MPa; they all fall under the category of normal-strength shipbuilding plates. The key distinction lies in their quality grades, which are primarily reflected in differences in low-temperature impact toughness requirements and chemical composition (particularly phosphorus and sulphur content, and the grain-refining effect of aluminium). Of these, Grade E has the lowest test temperature and the highest toughness requirements. These differences in low-temperature impact toughness, in turn, determine their distinct applications in shipbuilding and offshore engineering.
1. Comparison of chemical composition (Heat Analysis, wt %)
| Grade | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cu | Cr | Ni | Als |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCS Grade A | ≤ 0.21 | ≤ 0.50 | ≥ 0.50 | ≤ 0.035 | ≤ 0.035 | ≤ 0.35 | ≤ 0.30 | ≤ 0.30 | - |
| CCS Grade B | ≤ 0.21 | ≤ 0.35 | ≥ 0.80 | ≤ 0.035 | ≤ 0.035 | ≤ 0.35 | ≤ 0.30 | ≤ 0.30 | - |
| CCS Grade D | ≤ 0.21 | ≤ 0.35 | ≥ 0.60 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.35 | ≤ 0.30 | ≤ 0.30 | ≥ 0.015 |
| CCS Grade E | ≤ 0.18 | ≤ 0.35 | ≥ 0.70 | ≤ 0.025 | ≤ 0.025 | ≤ 0.35 | ≤ 0.30 | ≤ 0.30 | ≥ 0.015 |
* From Grade A to Grade E, the carbon content of the material decreases gradually, whilst the phosphorus and sulphur content is controlled with increasing rigour, and deoxidation and grain refinement processes are progressively intensified.
2. Comparison of mechanical properties
Tensile Test
| Grade | Yield Strength (ReH), MPa | Tensile Strength (Rm), MPa | Elongation (A), % |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCS Grade A | ≥ 235 | 400 - 520 | ≥ 22 |
| CCS Grade B | ≥ 235 | 400 - 520 | ≥ 22 |
| CCS Grade D | ≥ 235 | 400 - 520 | ≥ 22 |
| CCS Grade E | ≥ 235 | 400 - 520 | ≥ 22 |
* The yield strength, tensile strength and elongation are exactly the same; there is no difference.
Charpy (V-notch) Impact Test
| Grade | Thickness, mm | Temperature, ℃ | Impact Energy, KV2 / J | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longitudinal | Transverse | |||
| CCS Grade A | ≤ 50 | 20 | - | - |
| CCS Grade B | ≤ 50 | 0 | 27 | 20 |
| CCS Grade D | ≤ 50 | - 20 | 27 | 20 |
| CCS Grade E | ≤ 50 | - 40 | 27 | 20 |
* Among Grades A, B, D and E, the test temperatures required for the low-temperature impact test decrease in sequence; this is also the primary technical criterion distinguishing these four grades.
3. Comparison of applications
| Grade | Core Application Scenarios |
|---|---|
| CCS Grade A | General hull structure, non-load-bearing areas. |
| CCS Grade B | Edge loading and medium-thickness plates. |
| CCS Grade D | Hull plating and decks exposed to extremely cold environments. |
| CCS Grade E | Hulls designed for navigation in ice-covered waters, critical joints, and load-bearing areas with thick plates. |
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