The requirements on structural steel plates for offshore structures differ because of the varying fields of application and location. Today, there are four major standards existing, beside of the shipbuilding standards,
which describe the severe requirements on structural steel plates for offshore constructions. The standards prEN 10225, BS 7191 and the material data sheets of NORSOK (Norwegian standard) are primarily applicable in Europe (North Sea).

The API-standard is mainly applied in American and Asian areas. However, the different standards may also be used in other areas. In some parts, the standards correspond to each other. So, the Norsok standard refers to the prEN 10225 which itself is based on the BS 7191. The more the standards approach each other, the easier it will be for the steel fabricator to develop together with the engineering companies improved steel grades in an economic way.