Gangsteel supplies LR Grade EH40 (LR/EH40) higher-strength shipbuilding steel plate for hull and structural use specified to Lloyd’s Register. This official product page states the July 2022 LR Chapter 3 ladle-analysis and mechanical-acceptance requirements for this grade. Availability, dimensions and delivery condition are confirmed against the enquiry; none is implied as stock.
Numerical requirements on this page are transcribed from Lloyd’s Register, Rules for the Manufacture, Testing and Certification of Materials, July 2022, Chapter 3 Rolled Steel Plates, Strip, Sections and Bars, Chapter 3, Section 3 Higher strength steels for ship and other structural applications, including Tables 3.3.1, 3.3.2, 3.3.3, 3.3.5, 3.3.6 and 3.3.7, together with the general requirements of Chapter 3, Section 1 (including 1.7 dimensional tolerances and 1.9 test material and mechanical tests). The text used is the official July 2022 Rules as published. The current 1 July 2026 Rules (LR-RU-002) are issued through Regs4ships and were not independently obtained for this page. Lloyd’s Register Class News 14/2026 states that IACS UR W11 Rev.10 amendments affecting Chapter 3, Sections 1, 2 and 3 are to be included in the 1 January 2027 version of these Rules. The figures below are July 2022 LR rule requirements for plate, not measured results for a particular heat. The edition named in the contract, the certificate and the attending surveyor govern any actual supply.
Grade Designation
Chapter 3, 3.1.3 designates this higher-strength hull steel as EH40: the grade letters precede the strength level (32, 36 or 40 among the official product pages in this category). Commercial and documentation forms include LR Grade EH40 (LR/EH40), as on this official product page. The required notch toughness is designated by subdividing the strength levels into Grades AH, DH, EH and FH (3.1.2).
Key Advantages of LR Grade EH40 Steel Plate
LR Grade EH40 (LR/EH40) is a weldable higher-strength hull structural steel in July 2022 LR Chapter 3, Section 3, Table 3.3.7 (minimum yield 390 N/mm²), with a −40 °C Charpy V-notch laboratory test class. It is used for welded ship structural members where this LR grade is specified.
Chemical Composition (Ladle Analysis)
Table 3.3.2, chemical composition of ladle samples (3.3.1).
| Element / requirement | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deoxidation | Killed and fine grain treated | 3.2.1; all higher-strength grades. |
| C, max. (%) | 0.18 | Table 3.3.2, AH, DH, EH column. |
| Mn (%) | 0.90–1.60 | Table 3.3.2. For AH grade steels in all strength levels and thicknesses up to 12.5 mm, the specified minimum manganese content is 0.70 % (note 1). |
| Si, max. (%) | 0.50 | Table 3.3.2. |
| P, max. (%) | 0.035 | Table 3.3.2, AH, DH, EH column. |
| S, max. (%) | 0.035 | Table 3.3.2, AH, DH, EH column. |
| Al (acid soluble), min. (%) | 0.015 | May be determined as total aluminium, which is then not to be less than 0.020 % (note 3). The steel is to contain Al, Nb, V or other suitable grain-refining elements, singly or in combination; minima apply when used singly, and not when used in combination (note 2). |
| Nb (%) | 0.02–0.05 | When used singly (note 2). Total Nb + V + Ti is 0.12 % max. (Table 3.3.2). |
| V (%) | 0.05–0.10 | When used singly (note 2). Total Nb + V + Ti is 0.12 % max. |
| Ti, max. (%) | 0.02 | Included in the 0.12 % max. total. |
| Cu, max. (%) | 0.35 | Table 3.3.2 residual elements; shared by AH/DH/EH and FH. |
| Cr, max. (%) | 0.20 | Table 3.3.2. |
| Ni, max. (%) | 0.40 | Table 3.3.2, AH, DH, EH column. |
| Mo, max. (%) | 0.08 | Table 3.3.2. |
| N, max. (%) | — | Not specified for the AH, DH and EH column in Table 3.3.2. |
| Nb + V + Ti, max. (%) | 0.12 | Table 3.3.2. LR wording is “0.12 max.” |
For steels in the TM condition, the agreed carbon equivalent from the ladle analysis is not to exceed the Table 3.3.3 maxima for this strength level: 0.40 % for t ≤ 50 mm and 0.42 % for 50 mm < t ≤ 100 mm. For other conditions, the carbon equivalent is calculated from the ladle analysis using the formula in 3.3.2 and is not to exceed the maximum agreed between the fabricator and the steelmaker when the steel is ordered (3.3.2). Pcm may be used instead of carbon equivalent; the maximum allowable Pcm is to be agreed with LR and reported on the certificate (3.3.3). The calculation formula printed in 3.3.2 is not reproduced as a new figure here. Small deviations from Table 3.3.2 may be approved for plates exceeding 50 mm in Grades EH36, EH40, FH36 and FH40, provided they are documented and approved in advance (3.3.4). When any grade is supplied in an approved TM condition, variations in the specified chemical composition may be considered if documented and approved in advance (3.3.6). Alloying elements other than those listed are to be included in the approved manufacturing specification (note 4).
Mechanical Properties
Tensile specimens: where the finished width of plates and flats is greater than 600 mm, the principal axes are perpendicular to the final direction of rolling; for all other rolled products, parallel (1.9.6). Impact specimens: where both longitudinal and transverse properties are shown, only the longitudinal test is required unless otherwise specified; for plates and wide flats the manufacturer, by certifying the product, guarantees the transverse values, and the Surveyor may request a transverse test (1.9.8). For quenched and tempered plates, 3.5.4 and 3.5.5 require tensile and impact specimen axes transverse to the main rolling direction. Impact tests are not required when the nominal thickness is less than 6 mm (1.9.11). Impact temperatures in Table 3.3.7 are laboratory conditions, not approved minimum service temperatures.
| Property | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yield stress, min. | 390 N/mm² | Table 3.3.7. |
| Tensile strength | 510–650 N/mm² | Table 3.3.7. The LR tensile range for the 40 strength level is 510–650 N/mm². |
| Elongation (L = 5.65 √A), min. | 20 % | Table 3.3.7. Note 2 also gives minima for full-thickness specimens 25 mm wide with L = 200 mm; that alternative table in the source governs when those specimens are used. |
| Impact test temperature | −40 °C | Laboratory test condition only, not an approved minimum service temperature. |
| Average absorbed energy, t ≤ 50 mm, L / T, min. | 39 J / 26 J | Table 3.3.7. |
| Average absorbed energy, 50 mm < t ≤ 70 mm, L / T, min. | 46 J / 31 J | Table 3.3.7. |
| Average absorbed energy, 70 mm < t ≤ 100 mm, L / T, min. | 55 J / 37 J | Table 3.3.7. The Chapter 3, Section 3 thickness scope for these plates is t ≤ 100 mm (Table 3.3.1). |
The results of all tensile tests and the average energy from each set of three Charpy V-notch impact tests are to comply with Table 3.3.7 (3.5.1). Re-test procedures are in Chapter 1, 4.6. Batch frequency depends on grade and supply condition (3.5.2 to 3.5.8); the contractual clauses govern. Delivery condition for plates and wide flats, Table 3.3.5 (EH40, any practice): t ≤ 100 mm N, TM or QT. Conditions of supply for sections and bars are in Table 3.3.6 (sections and bars t ≤ 50 mm, Table 3.3.1). Where alternatives are permitted they are at the option of the steelmaker unless the order states otherwise (3.4.1). Grain-refining elements used singly or in combination require specific approval (Table 3.3.5, note 1). The contractual tables govern.
Available Dimensions
Section 3 is primarily intended to apply to plates, wide flats, sections and bars not exceeding the limits in Table 3.3.1: for AH32 to FH40 inclusive, plates and wide flats t ≤ 100 mm, and sections and bars t ≤ 50 mm. Thicknesses deviating from that table may be specially considered; a reduction of the required impact energy is not allowed (3.1.5). For hull-structural plates, strip and wide flats of width ≥ 600 mm, the minus tolerance on thickness is 0.3 mm, irrespective of nominal thickness, and the average thickness is not to be less than the nominal thickness (1.7.3; also 1.7.5 for t below 5 mm). Plus tolerance follows a National or International Standard unless otherwise agreed. Class C of ISO 7452 may be applied in lieu of 1.7.3 (1.7.4). Minus tolerance on bars and sections (except wide flats ≥ 600 mm wide) follows a recognised National or International Standard (1.7.6). Width, length and any stock programme are as agreed for the order; no stock list is implied here.
Main Applications
LR Grade EH40 (LR/EH40) is used for welded hull and ship structural members specified to this Lloyd’s Register grade. Fitness for a given location, thickness and service is set by the contract design and the attending society.
Equivalent Grades of LR Grade EH40
Official comparable product pages, where inventoried, are linked below.
| Society / standard | Comparable grade | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | ABS Grade EH40 | Comparison at the same strength and toughness class only. |
| BV | BV Grade EH40 | Comparison at the same strength and toughness class only. |
| CCS | CCS Grade EH40 | Comparison at the same strength and toughness class only. |
| DNV | DNV Grade EH40 (NV E40) | Comparison at the same strength and toughness class only. |
| GL | GL Grade EH40 | Comparison at the same strength and toughness class only. |
Comparison only: not automatic equivalence or substitution. Linked pages state that society’s own requirements, which are not Lloyd’s Register requirements. The July 2022 LR tables on this page are the only LR numerical source used here. No official gangsteel.com product page is inventoried for KR Grade EH40, and none is invented here.
Related Products
Further official Lloyd’s Register hull-steel pages from Gangsteel :
- Lloyd’s Register of Shipping shipbuilding steel plates
- LR Grade A (LR/A) steel plate
- LR Grade B (LR/B) steel plate
- LR Grade D (LR/D) steel plate
- LR Grade E (LR/E) steel plate
- LR Grade AH32 (LR/AH32) steel plate
- LR Grade DH32 (LR/DH32) steel plate
- LR Grade EH32 (LR/EH32) steel plate
- LR Grade FH32 (LR/FH32) steel plate
- LR Grade AH36 (LR/AH36) steel plate
- LR Grade DH36 (LR/DH36) steel plate
- LR Grade EH36 (LR/EH36) steel plate
- LR Grade FH36 (LR/FH36) steel plate
- LR Grade AH40 (LR/AH40) steel plate
- LR Grade DH40 (LR/DH40) steel plate
- LR Grade FH40 (LR/FH40) steel plate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is LR Grade EH40 (LR/EH40) steel plate?
LR Grade EH40 (LR/EH40) is a Lloyd’s Register higher-strength hull structural steel in Chapter 3, Section 3 of the July 2022 LR Rules for the Manufacture, Testing and Certification of Materials. The official designation is EH40 (3.1.3). It has a minimum yield of 390 N/mm² and a −40 °C laboratory impact class.
Does the impact-test temperature define the service limit of LR Grade EH40 (LR/EH40)?
No. The −40 °C Charpy temperature is a laboratory test condition. Approved service temperature and structural use are set by the ship rules, the design and the attending surveyor.
Can another society’s similarly named grade replace LR Grade EH40 (LR/EH40) automatically?
No. The Equivalent Grades table is a comparison at the same strength and toughness class, not automatic equivalence or substitution.
Does LR Grade EH40 (LR/EH40) automatically include through-thickness (Z) properties?
No. Improved through-thickness properties apply only when specified. Chapter 3, Section 8 covers “Z” grade plate, with the supplementary suffix Z25 or Z35 (for example, LR DH36 Z35) as in 1.2.2. They are not implied by the grade name and are not in these official product titles.
What should an enquiry for LR Grade EH40 (LR/EH40) include?
State LR Grade EH40 (LR/EH40), the governing rules edition, dimensions, quantity, delivery condition, inspection documents, and any transverse impact or through-thickness testing required. Availability is confirmed for the enquiry; none is implied here.
Contact Gangsteel with your LR Grade EH40 (LR/EH40) plate specification and project requirements for an order-specific technical and commercial review. Further LR hull-steel pages are listed on the Lloyd’s Register of Shipping shipbuilding steel plates hub and at Gangsteel.