Ferrous Scrap Insights
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    What is HMS 1 Scrap? Specifications, Uses & Pricing Guide

    Everything you need to know about HMS 1 (Heavy Melting Steel No. 1) scrap — from ISRI specifications and chemical composition to steel mill applications and global pricing.

    Published: March 20, 2026Updated: March 31, 2026

    HMS 1 Definition

    HMS 1 — Heavy Melting Steel No. 1 — is the premium grade of heavy melting steel scrap as classified by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) under code 200. It represents the highest quality of mixed obsolete steel scrap in international trade.

    In the context of global ferrous scrap trading, HMS 1 is the benchmark grade against which other heavy steel scrap is measured. Its thick-gauge composition and low contamination make it ideal for electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking.

    ISRI Specifications

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    Chemical Composition (Typical)

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    Common Sources

    HMS 1 is sourced from:

  1. Structural demolition: — Steel beams, columns, and plate from building demolition
  2. Heavy machinery: — End-of-life industrial equipment and machinery frames
  3. Ship-breaking: — Hull plate and structural steel from decommissioned vessels
  4. Railroad equipment: — Non-rail steel components (wagons, frames)
  5. Industrial plate: — Cut-offs from steel fabrication and plate processing
  6. Uses in Steel Production

    Electric Arc Furnace (EAF)

    HMS 1 is charged directly into EAFs where it is melted using electric current at temperatures exceeding 1,600°C. The consistent chemistry and low contamination result in:

  7. Higher metallic yield (95–97%)
  8. Fewer impurity-related defects
  9. Lower energy consumption per ton
  10. Reduced slag volume
  11. Faster heat times
  12. Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF)

    Some BOF steelmakers use HMS 1 as supplementary charge material (typically 15–25% of total charge) to:

  13. Control bath temperature
  14. Adjust chemistry
  15. Utilize scrap availability during market conditions
  16. HMS 1 vs HMS 2

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    Detailed comparison: HMS 1 vs HMS 2: Key Differences

    Pricing

    FOB Rotterdam (Q1 2026)

  17. HMS 1 (pure):: $360–$400/MT
  18. HMS 1&2 (80:20):: $340–$380/MT
  19. HMS 1&2 (90:10):: $350–$390/MT
  20. For CIF pricing to your destination port, contact Nautica Metal Scrap B.V.

    Price Drivers

  21. Global steel demand — monitored via World Steel Association
  22. Scrap availability — demolition activity, industrial closures
  23. Turkish Scrap Index — primary seaborne benchmark
  24. Seasonal patterns — Q1/Q4 typically stronger
  25. Freight rates — impacts CIF pricing
  26. Quality Assurance for HMS 1

    When purchasing HMS 1, buyers should require:

  27. Pre-shipment inspection by SGS or Bureau Veritas
  28. Thickness verification (random sampling)
  29. Visual assessment of non-metallic and coated material presence
  30. Radiation screening (gamma spectrometry)
  31. Weight verification (draft survey or container weigh)
  32. Buying HMS 1 from Europe

    Nautica Metal Scrap B.V. is a Rotterdam-based supplier offering:

  33. Pure HMS 1 and blended HMS 1&2 in custom ratios
  34. Monthly capacity: 50,000+ MT across all ferrous grades
  35. CIF, FOB, CFR delivery worldwide
  36. 30% TT + 70% LC payment terms
  37. Full documentation and third-party inspection
  38. Frequently Asked Questions

    What does HMS 1 stand for?

    HMS 1 stands for Heavy Melting Steel No. 1 — the premium grade of heavy steel scrap per ISRI classification 200.

    What is the minimum thickness for HMS 1?

    6mm (¼ inch). Material thinner than this is classified as HMS 2.

    Is HMS 1 better than HMS 2?

    Yes, for steel production purposes. HMS 1 has lower contamination, higher metallic yield, and more consistent chemistry. It commands a $15–30/MT premium.

    What is HMS 1&2 (80:20)?

    A standard commercial blend of 80% HMS 1 and 20% HMS 2. This is the most commonly traded HMS specification in international markets.

    What's the current price of HMS 1?

    FOB Rotterdam: $360–400/MT (Q1 2026). CIF prices vary by destination. Request a current quote.

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    *Looking for premium HMS 1 scrap supply?*

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    Nautica Metal Scrap B.V. — Quality HMS 1 Scrap from Europe

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    HMS 1 scrapheavy melting steelISRI 200steel scrap specifications

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