In the world of marine coatings, even the most advanced technologies rely on the dedication and expertise of people. At Nippon Paint Marine, our technical service representatives are the key to ensuring that innovative coatings perform reliably in the field, bridging the gap between laboratory breakthroughs and real-world application.
In this latest edition of our employee blog series, we feature Taehwa Kim, Senior Manager in our Technical Service Department. Since joining Nippon Paint Marine in 2008, Taehwa has drawn on his extensive shipbuilding background to support some of our most ambitious projects.
Taehwa Kim, Senior Manager for Nippon Paint Marine’s Technical Service Department
Since joining Nippon Paint Marine in 2008, I have continued to build upon the field experience I gained earlier in the shipbuilding industry. Before joining the company, I worked for a subcontractor in the New Building Block & Hull Tank Paint Department, where I was responsible for Line Quality Control operations. This taught me the fundamentals of coating process management, inspection standards and hull quality assurance; lessons that shaped a systematic, quality-first mindset are what I rely on today.
I now serve as Site Manager of Nippon Paint Marine Korea’s Technical Service Department at Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), overseeing the Evergreen Project: eight 16,000 TEU container vessels scheduled from 2025 to 2027. I will rely on my years of field experience in this role, to bring a high level of engagement and a clear focus on day-to-day delivery that builds a strong and trusting relationship with the customer.
From the yard floor to technical leadership
One career moment that left a lasting impression on me was the ELCANO LNG carrier project at STX Shipbuilding. It was my first major project after joining Nippon Paint Marine, and my first time supervising an LNG vessel.
The shipyard focused heavily on schedule, while the owner prioritised quality, and I often found myself balancing the two. Completing the project successfully taught me the importance of standing by technical principles, even under pressure, and reinforced what true technical supervision means.
More recently, I spent three months in China on a repair vessel project that was initially planned as a one-month assignment. Six successive vessels from the same owner entered the yard, making the work fast-paced and intense. At Nippon Paint Marine Korea, we handle both newbuilding and repair supervision, and this practice helped me adapt quickly. Though being away from family was challenging, the experience strengthened my resilience, adaptability and sense of responsibility.
Trust is built, not measured
Throughout my career, the best advice I have received has continued to guide me: “Whoever you meet and whatever you do, do it with sincerity.”
Technical service roles demand precision, experience and a strong understanding of standards. But for me, TSR has always been about more than expertise alone. Without authenticity and trust, even the best technical knowledge has limited impact.
I strongly believe that people come before technology. On site, trust is built through everyday actions through listening carefully, taking responsibility and approaching each task with honesty and respect. Even small actions, when done sincerely, are noticed by others and help form meaningful, long-term working relationships.
By working with integrity and maintaining these values in every project, I hope to continue contributing to Nippon Paint Marine’s value and reputation in the years ahead.
