1st Class Masters Appointment Ceremony Held
Veterans Who Have Solved On-site Challenges
Turning Masters' Know-how into a Transferable Asset
Hanwha Ocean announced on the 26th that it has newly introduced a master craftsman system that treats the top production technicians with the highest level of respect in the industry and has selected two master craftsmen for the first class.
Hanwha Ocean plans to use the selection of master craftsmen as an opportunity to enhance the social status of skilled technicians and to solidify its position as having the world’s best shipbuilding technology competitiveness through a differentiated system that encompasses compensation, honor, and growth.
On the 5th at Hanwha Resort Geoje Belvedere, the inaugural Hanwha Ocean Master appointment ceremony was held, and Hanwha Ocean CEO Kim Heecheol (center) and the masters selected, Park Sunbok (left) and Jo Suyeon (right), posed for a commemorative photo.
On the 25th, Hanwha Ocean held the "Hanwha Ocean 1st Masters Appointment Ceremony" at Geoje Belvedere. The two masters appointed that day are Cho Suyeon giwon (Merchant Ship Business Division) and Park Sunbok giwon (Special Ship Business Division). The masters’ families were also invited to the ceremony, marking the beginning of a "culture in which on-site technicians are respected."
Cho Suyeon giwon of Outfitting Team 2 joined the company in 1996 and has carried out eight process improvements, including the development of a vertical and horizontal EGW (electric gas welding) welding device for monorails, and holds two related patents. Cho’s monorail welding device was selected in 2024 as one of Korea’s Top 10 Mechanical Technologies of the Year by the Korean Federation of Mechanical Engineering Societies.
Park Sunbok giwon of the Special Ship Hull Team, who joined the company in 1989, has improved six processes, including the development of an automatic plate bending machine that improved productivity by 50% and the application of automated welding technology for special ships. In addition, Park improved 13 working conditions, making a significant contribution to preventing accidents and reducing the work intensity of operators.
Hanwha Ocean’s master craftsmen receive phased compensation and support. When first selected as a master, a reward of 10 million won is paid, and additional incentives are provided based on performance evaluations. The company also provides a safety helmet in the "Purple Royal" color symbolizing the honor of a master, a private office, and a personal work vehicle, so that top technical talent can demonstrate their capabilities in the best possible environment. After the end of the term, a brass plate recording their achievements and contributions is enshrined in the in-house "Hall of Fame." After retirement, they are also given the opportunity to work as technical guidance instructors so that their know-how can continue to be passed down. This level of treatment is among the highest in the industry.
The first-class master craftsmen selected this time are veterans who have solved on-site challenges and established standard work procedures across the core processes of ship construction. Since last October, they have undergone a rigorous process, including multi-faceted evaluations and reviews by invited Korean master craftsmen, to have their capabilities objectively verified.
At the appointment ceremony, Cho Suyeon giwon said, "I am grateful for the great honor of being appointed as the first master," adding, "As much as the company has shown its trust, I will work harder to help make it an even more competitive company." Park Sunbok giwon also expressed determination, saying, "I will live up to the title of master by passing on my know-how to junior colleagues and never ceasing my own development."
The two masters, who will begin their official activities on March 3, will serve not merely as skilled workers but as "on-site technical leaders" who drive change. Their term can last up to two years. They plan to carry out tasks such as accident prevention, revision of standard work instructions, improving reliability in quality and delivery, enhancing productivity and cost efficiency, and mentoring junior employees. Through this, Hanwha Ocean plans to turn the masters’ know-how into an asset that can be transferred to younger staff.
Based on this plan, Hanwha Ocean operates a separate "Tech Level (TL) system." This system divides the technical proficiency of production employees into five levels and provides a lump-sum incentive each time they advance to a higher level. Masters are selected from among those who have achieved the highest Tech Level. The combination of the master system and the TL system is expected to serve as a ladder of growth for junior employees and as an honorable platform for masters to pass on their technical expertise.
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