AH32, AH36, and AH40 shipbuilding steel plates are high-strength marine structural steels under ASTM A131 / ABS standards. They are widely used in shipyards and offshore engineering projects, thanks to their excellent toughness, weldability, and resistance to harsh marine environments.
As reliable marine plates, these grades are suitable for oil tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, offshore platforms, and port infrastructure.

Standards & Grades
Standard: ASTM A131 / ABS
Grades: AH32, AH36, AH40
Delivery Conditions: Rolled, Normalized, TMCP
Thickness Range: 6mm – 200mm
Width & Length: Customizable according to project requirements
| Specification | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 6–100mm | Common sizes in stock |
| Width | 1500–3000mm | Standard & customized widths |
| Length | 6000–12000mm | Cut-to-length available |
| Rolling | Yes | Non-standard sizes can be custom rolled |
Chemical Composition
| Grade | C (max) | Mn | Si | P (max) | S (max) | Ni | Cu | Cr | Mo | V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AH32 | 0.18 | 0.90–1.60 | 0.50 | 0.035 | 0.035 | 0.40 | 0.35 | 0.20 | 0.08 | 0.02 |
| AH36 | 0.18 | 0.90–1.60 | 0.50 | 0.035 | 0.035 | 0.40 | 0.35 | 0.20 | 0.08 | 0.02 |
| AH40 | 0.18 | 0.90–1.60 | 0.50 | 0.035 | 0.035 | 0.40 | 0.35 | 0.20 | 0.08 | 0.02 |
Mechanical Properties
| Grade | Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Impact Test (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AH32 | ≥315 | 440–590 | ≥22 | -20°C |
| AH36 | ≥355 | 490–620 | ≥21 | -40°C |
| AH40 | ≥390 | 510–650 | ≥20 | -40°C |
📖 For a more detailed comparison of grades, properties, and equivalent standards, you may also read our technical blog: AH32 vs AH36 vs AH40 Steel: Properties & Applications.

Package & Shipment
We provide flexible logistics solutions to ensure safe and timely shipment of shipbuilding steel plates:
Port of Shipment: Tianjin, Shanghai, Qingdao
Delivery Options: FOB, CIF, CFR
Packaging: Standard seaworthy packaging (steel straps & protective covers)
Lead Time: Immediate shipment for stock sizes; custom rolling usually 20–35 days
Global Reach: Regular exports to Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Americas


Why Choose GNEE Steel?
Large Stock: AH32 & AH36 available in common sizes; AH40 made-to-order
Fast Response: Quotes within 24h, technical support included
Processing Services: Cutting, beveling, drilling, blasting, primer coating
Global Supply Chain: Long-term cooperation with shipyards and contractors worldwide
Looking for shipbuilding steel or marine plates such as AH32, AH36, or AH40?
✅ Request a quick quote within 24h
✅ Check available stock sizes
✅ Ask about custom rolling and technical support
WhatsApp: +86 15824687445
Email:info@gneesteels.com
What is AH36 steel?
AH36 is designed to resist the harsh saline conditions of marine environments, and micro-alloying technology is employed to enhance performance. Elements such as Nb, V, Ti, and other alloying metals, combined with a controlled rolling process, refines the grain and improves the toughness.
What is AH32 steel?
ABS Grades AH32, DH32, and EH32 are higher-strength structural steels with a minimum specified yield strength of 46 ksi and specified minimum Charpy V- notch impact toughness properties. Applications. Typical applications include shipbuilding and mobile offshore drilling units and structures.
What is the difference between A36 and AH36 steel?
In this condition, ASTM AH36 steel and A36 steel is totally the same. However, at most times, ASTM A36 steel means another steel type, it is A36 mild steel. A36 mild steel is for general construction, seldom used for ship building. A36 mild steel strength is lower than ASTM AH36 shipbuilding steel strength.
What is the difference between AH36 and DH36?
AH36 and DH36 are both defined as a high strength structural steel, which are primarily used in the shipbuilding industry. The difference between them is that while AH36 is offered in a controlled condition, DH36 is basically offered in both controlled rolled as well as normalized conditions.
| Other steel plate by GNEE | ||||
| Name | Material | Specification (mm) | Tons | Remark |
| Clad steel plate | P265GH+410,S355JR+410,A516Gr70+316, A537CL1+304L,Q235B+304L,Q345B+304, A516Gr70(NACE)+410,A537CL1+904L, A537CL1+316L,A516Gr70+304L,A537CL1+304 ,A516Gr70+410,A516Gr70+904L |
2-300mm(Based plate),1-50mm(Composited plate) | / | UT, AR, TMCP.Normalized, Quenched and Tempered,Z Direction Test, Charpy V-Notch impact TestThe Third Party Test , Coated or Shot Blasting and Painting. |
| Low Alloy | Q345A, Q345B, Q345C, Q345D, Q345E, Q390, Q420, Q460C, ST52-3, S355J2+N, SS400, SA302GrC, S275NL, 35CrMo | 6 - 350 | 5788.56 | Normalizing, tempered ,controlled rolling, hot rolling , Hot rolling,1st inspection, 2nd inspection, 3rd inspection |
| Pressure Vessel Plate | A204 Grade B,A515 Grade 70,A537 Class 1,SA387 Grade 11 Class 1,P265GH,S537 Class 2,P355Q,P275N,P355N,P690Q,Q345R, | 3 - 300 | 8650 | Normalizing, tempered ,controlled rolling, hot rolling , Hot rolling,1st inspection, 2nd inspection, 3rd inspection |
| High-Strength Plate | A514 Grade F, A572 Grade 50, A588 Grade A, S355JR, S690Q, SS400, S690QL, Q345B, Q345E | 8 - 120 | 3086.352 | Quenched and tempered |
| Wear-Resistant Plate | NM360, NM400, NM450, NM500 | 6 - 150 | 3866.297 | Quenched and tempered |
| Ship Plate | ABS AH32,ABS DH32,ABS EH32,ABS FH36,ASTM A131 A, ASTM A131 EH32,ASTM A131 AH36,CCS A,CCS AH32,LR AH32, DNV A36,BV AH32 |
8 - 200 | 2853.621 | Hot rolling, normalized ,hot rolling controlled rolling, quenched and tempered + toughness and brittleness |




