Hazira-Surat, May 14, 2026: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), the joint venture of two of the world’s leading steelmakers – ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel has achieved a groundbreaking milestone at its Hazira-based Pipe Mill. The company has successfully fabricated EQ70 ultra-high-strength welded pipes using Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) — a global first in pipe manufacturing. These pipes have been certified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), confirming compliance with stringent international standards for offshore applications.
This achievement sets a new benchmark in offshore engineering and strongly supports India’s “Make in India” initiative by reducing dependence on imported seamless pipes from Europe.
EQ70, equivalent to API 5L X100Q, is a high-strength low-alloy steel with a minimum yield strength of 690 MPa and exceptional toughness, making it ideal for demanding offshore applications such as leg bracing in jackup rigs and deepwater pipelines. Its superior strength allows for thinner, lighter pipes without compromising structural integrity, while its advanced weldability and corrosion resistance ensure reliability in harsh marine environments.
The successful fabrication of EQ70 welded pipes represents a world-first, setting new industry standards for safety, sustainability, and cost-effective production in critical offshore projects. This innovation strengthens India’s manufacturing capabilities and reduces reliance on European imports.
The journey from concept to certification spanned 12 months, involving intensive trials, process optimization, and rigorous testing to meet stringent ABS standards.
AM/NS India is poised to supply EQ70 welded pipes to global offshore markets, enhancing supply security and lowering costs for marine engineering projects worldwide. Looking ahead, the Pipe Mill is developing hydrogen transportation pipe grades using SAW technology, aligning with the company’s long-term strategy to support clean energy and sustainable infrastructure.
This achievement highlights AM/NS India’s commitment to advancing specialized steel solutions for the energy and marine sectors, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in global innovation in line with our company promise “Smarter Steels, Brighter Futures”.
