Development of 9% nickel steel for LNG applications

Liquefied natural gas is usually transported by specially equipped ships and stored in LNG terminals. The construction of vessels and tanks for LNG transportation purposes leads to a demand for steels with specified low temperature properties. This article presents the development of 9%-nickel-alloyed high-strength steels for low temperature applications and gives an overview on their production, properties, and processing behaviour. Heavy plates of these steels meet the highest demands on strength, toughness and resistance against brittle fracture. Furthermore, an insight into industrial production experience is given and some current applications of nickel steel plates are illustrated.