POSCO : Cryogenic High Manganese Steel Becomes a Global Standard Technology

The cryogenic high manganese steel, which POSCO developed for the first time in the world, was recently registered as a standard technology with ASTM International, an international standards organization related to materials and standards.

ASTM(American Society for Testing and Materials) International is an organization that tests and researches all materials, including metals and non-metals, and develops and publishes technical standards. Until now, more than 30,000 experts from 140 countries participated and established more than 12,000 technical standards. As the technologies registered with ASTM are used as standards or specifications for engineers not only in the US but globally, its registration with ASTM means that POSCO's cryogenic high manganese steel is recognized as a material that can be safely used around the world.

The cryogenic high manganese steel, which has now been registered as a global standard technology, is a high-value-added material that POSCO proprietarily developed after more than a decade of research. It is the representative World Premium steel product of POSCO. Cryogenic high manganese steel is a steel product that can withstand a very low temperature, i.e. -196℃ and is suitable storing and transporting LNG(Liquefied Natural Gas). Especially because it has more weldability than conventional nickel alloy steel, and it is 20~30% cheaper than nickel alloy steel, stainless steel and the aluminum alloy steel, it is expected to replace competitive materials.

POSCO is striving to develop and commercialize new steel products, and due to its registration with ASTM International, POSCO is said to be a step ahead of its competitors in terms of technology. Teresa Cendrowska, VP, Global Cooperation at ASTM International, said, 'POSCO is an iconic steel company that leads the standardization of new steel technologies at ASTM International. The high manganese steel recently became a new standard, and thus proved its steel technology. POSCO truly serves as a model for other steelmakers.'

Meanwhile, last year, POSCO supplied the cryogenic high manganese steel as the material for the LNG fuel tank of the world's largest LNG-fueled bulk carrier (a bulk carrier using LNG as fuel) which was being built by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard. POSCO is planning to concentrate on further reinforcing its solution marketing together with domestic and overseas oil majors and EPC customers, and selling WP products in the energy sector and developing new markets.