Range extension: API 2W-50 sheets up to 100 mm thick
We are expanding our range to include API 2W-50 sheets in thicknesses of up to 100 mm – for the highest demands in offshore projects.
Offshore steels are subject to significantly higher requirements than conventional structural steels. Extreme environmental conditions, low temperatures and dynamic loads make targeted material selection essential. EN 10225, the NORSOK requirements and additional options such as the tensile test in the thickness direction are particularly relevant here.
But what do these terms mean in concrete terms – and what is really important in practice?
In the offshore sector, there are loads that hardly occur in classic steel construction:
Conventional structural steels such as S355J2 quickly reach their limits here. Offshore steels are specially designed to function reliably over the long term, even under these conditions.
NORSOK is a Norwegian set of rules for offshore structures that was originally developed for the oil and gas industry. It does not define a separate steel product, but specifies additional requirements for materials, production and testing.
Typical NORSOK requirements are
In practice, these requirements are often implemented on the basis of offshore steels in accordance with EN 10225.
EN 10225 is the authoritative European standard for hot-rolled structural steels for offshore applications. It defines:
Common strength classes are S355, S420 and S460, each with special additional markings for offshore constructions.
The additional markings provide information about the requirement level of the offshore steel:
The higher the additional mark, the stricter the requirements for material quality and testing.
In addition to the basic requirements, EN 10225 allows additional options to be agreed in order to adapt offshore steels precisely to the respective application. These options are particularly important for thick-walled and highly stressed structures.
Tensile test in thickness direction (Z quality)
This option is used to evaluate the properties perpendicular to the rolling direction. It reduces the risk of lamella cracks and is particularly relevant for:
Extended impact tests
Additional tests at lower temperatures or at several sample positions ensure a consistent level of toughness.
Stricter ultrasonic testing
Increased requirements for ultrasonic testing help to detect internal material defects at an early stage.
Adapted chemical composition
Limitation of carbon or sulphur content to improve weldability.
Extended documentation
Project-related test plans and detailed acceptance test certificates increase traceability and safety.
These options make it possible to design the offshore steel to suit requirements without incurring unnecessary additional costs.
Suitability for welding – a decisive success factor
Welding plays a central role in offshore constructions. Offshore steels according to EN 10225 are designed in such a way that:
Controlled processing is crucial, especially in connection with NORSOK requirements.
Offshore steels are used, among other things, in:
Offshore steels according to EN 10225 offer the necessary safety for structures in a maritime environment. With additional options such as the tensile test in the thickness direction and, if necessary, NORSOK requirements, they can be precisely tailored to the respective application.
The decisive factor is not the maximum number of requirements, but the right combination of standard, additional markings and options – tailored to the operating conditions and design.
We are expanding our range to include API 2W-50 sheets in thicknesses of up to 100 mm – for the highest demands in offshore projects.
Precisely milled from 350 mm thick LR-EH36 with Z35: gusset plate for the highest demands in shipbuilding – including tested material properties.
