ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS) has become the first steel company in the world to manufacture the highest strength welded pipes in the EQ70 grade with certification from the American Bureau of Shipping for use in marine engineering projects.
The certification from ABS provides independent validation that the welded pipes comply with globally recognised standards for safety, structural integrity, strength and marine performance.
The company said the achievement establishes a new benchmark in offshore engineering while strengthening India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’ initiatives.
Focus on import substitution
According to the company, the indigenously manufactured EQ70 welded pipes will help replace seamless pipes currently imported from Europe for critical offshore applications including oil and gas platforms, offshore wind structures and deepwater pipelines.
AM/NS India said domestic customers in offshore and engineering sectors are expected to benefit from improved supply security, shorter lead times, lower costs and stronger competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.
The company added that the development reflects its continued focus on steelmaking innovation, supported by the technological capabilities and research expertise of its parent companies, ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel.
Advanced offshore applications
Equivalent to the American Petroleum Institute’s API 5L X100Q standard, EQ70 grade is a high-strength low-alloy steel grade with a minimum yield strength of 690 megapascals and enhanced toughness properties.
The company said the welded pipes are designed for demanding offshore applications such as leg bracing in jack-up rigs and deepwater pipelines.
Due to their superior strength, the pipes can be manufactured thinner and lighter without compromising structural integrity. The company also highlighted their advanced weldability and corrosion resistance, making them suitable for harsh marine environments.
Hazira facility drives innovation
The welded pipes were fabricated using Submerged Arc Welding technology at the company’s flagship Hazira plant in Gujarat.
AM/NS India said manufacturing ultra-high-strength welded pipes involves significant technical complexity, including maintaining uniform strength and toughness across both the base metal and welded seams while ensuring performance under extreme offshore conditions.
The company stated that the successful production of ABS-certified EQ70 welded pipes represents a major advancement in India’s manufacturing capabilities and strengthens the country’s position in high-value steel products.
Supply to oil and gas sector
ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India said it has already supplied a substantial quantity of welded pipes to a leading oil and gas producer in India.
The ABS certification is considered a key requirement for participation in offshore and marine engineering projects globally, enabling the product to qualify for regulated international applications.