Final Approval of F460 toughcore® by renowned classification societies
voestalpine Grobblech has developed a new steel grade that is set to transform low‑pressure LCO₂ (liquid carbon dioxide) ship transportation.
Featuring a yield strength of 460 MPa, a tensile strength of 590 MPa and available in plate thicknesses of up to 50 mm, this advanced material significantly outperforms conventional 355-grade steels. Its outstanding mechanical properties, combined with excellent fracture toughness down to –60 °C, enable far more efficient ship designs. Tank wall thicknesses can be reduced while diameters and volumes can be increased—without the need for major modifications to existing vessel concepts.
As a result, cargo tank capacity and overall vessel efficiency can be improved by up to 40%, making this steel grade a true game‑changer for low‑pressure LCO₂ shipping.
Advantages that Brevik Engineering has leveraged in its latest design, resulting in one of the most efficient 50.000 m³ low‑pressure liquid CO₂ (LCO₂) carrier design to date.
The material approval by the leading classification societies DNV, LR, BV, ABS and RINA confirms that this highly innovative material concept imposes no limitations on industrial-scale, efficient welding fabrication. All required material properties are fully met, and the compatibility with conventional Böhler welding consumables makes this solution not only technically superior but also the most efficient and cost‑effective material currently available for low‑pressure LCO₂ carriers.
In parallel to the certification process, extensive welding trials have been carried out by voestalpine Böhler Welding. Based on these trials, voestalpine provides comprehensive welding recommendations together with the base material, covering both submerged arc welding and the mandatory fillet welds in tank construction using stick electrodes. These recommendations are specifically tailored to the material, ensuring optimum performance, high reliability and ease of fabrication.Test results clearly demonstrate that, even after welding and subsequent post‑weld heat treatment, F460 toughcore® retains its exceptional impact toughness at temperatures as low as –85 °C. In addition, the material delivers outstanding CTOD (Crack Tip Opening Displacement) values, typically around 0.8 mm at-60 °C—an essential prerequisite for long‑term structural integrity under the most demanding operating conditions.
This groundbreaking material from voestalpine Grobblech not only unleashes the full potential of low‑pressure LCO₂ transportation, but also represents a decisive step forward in global decarbonization. By dramatically increasing the efficiency of CO₂ transport, F460 toughcore® becomes a key enabler of the transition to a more sustainable and climate‑neutral future.