The developments of plates are strongly driven by demands from high-sophisticated
pipeline and structural applications. Such needs reflect in plates with higher thickness,
larger width, higher toughness also at lower temperatures, higher strength and/or better
resistance to sour environments. The requirement profiles are, in some cases, exceptional
and have become achievable, in an extreme combination of alloying and processing
technologies, only as a result of comprehensive development work and plant investments. A
broad potential for innovation derives by the utilization of the key-technology TMCP
(Thermo-Mechanical Controlled Process). The status of present-day heavy plate production
will be presented. An outline of the production facilities, routes and process variants
will be given. As a central element to achieve high-class requirements, aspects and
parameters of the metallurgical design will be explained. The utilization will be
explained and illustrated with selected recent applications.