About Ehab Abutahoun
With over 25 years of international experience, I am a results-driven QA/QC Coating & Painting Engineer and Technical Manager specializing in oil & gas, LNG, subsea, and pipeline projects.
I have successfully delivered multi-billion-dollar projects with leading clients including TOTAL, ADNOC, Shell, and DNV. My expertise lies in corrosion protection, advanced coating systems, welding inspection, insulation, and quality management.
I am recognized for ensuring zero-defect execution, qualifying contractors, and driving projects that align with international standards such as NACE, ISO, DNV, and ADNOC. What sets me apart is the ability to merge traditional engineering mastery with digital innovation. By leveraging Python programming, CAD, and data analytics,
I streamline quality control processes, reduce costs, and ensure long-term asset integrity. I am also passionate about team leadership and mentorship. Across my career, I have trained and certified inspectors in over 30 countries, building global technical capability and raising industry standards
December 2024 – Present
Total Energies
Working as QA Coating Engineer for offshore subsea structures and piping works. Responsible for inspection, vendor submittal review, and compliance with project specifications and ITPs. Supervising contractor activities and validating lab and site testing. Ensuring HSE adherence and monitoring project progress against recovery plans while coordinating daily technical reporting.
Mar 2024 to Dec 2024
ARCHIRODON-WAVE Project
Led coating QA/QC activities for ADNOC project including preparation of procedures, ITPs, and method statements. Supervised inspectors and conducted internal verifications prior to client inspections. Achieved over 90% first-time approvals and minimized rejections below 5%. Supported engineering and bidding teams in coating system selection and technical evaluations.
Sep 2022 to Feb 2024
DNV Energy
Acted as certification authority for major offshore and subsea coating projects in Egypt and Oman. Reviewed and approved coating specifications, procedures, and qualification testing. Certified subsea structures, pipelines, jetty repairs, and storage tank maintenance works. Ensured compliance with international standards and client technical requirements.
Dec 2020 - to Aug 2022
ARCHIRODON-BAB Project
Managed full lifecycle QA/QC coating activities for large-scale oil and gas construction project. Developed inspection documentation and supervised field inspection teams. Conducted pre-inspection internal audits to ensure specification compliance. Coordinated with construction teams to maintain high first-pass approval rates and timely NRI/RFI closeouts.
Jan 2007 to Sep 2015 & Jan 2018 to Nov 2019
SHAWCOR
Managed technical services for global pipeline coating and field joint projects across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Led a team of 18 engineers, conducted international qualifications, and delivered inspector/applicator training programs. Represented company at global coating conferences and technical forums. Improved customer satisfaction ratings and supported business development initiatives.
Jan 2016 to Dec 2017
OMAN GAS COMPANY
Supervised coating activities for onshore and offshore pipeline projects in Duqm and Salalah. Managed factory line-pipe coating qualifications and contractor performance. Oversaw QA/QC implementation, lab testing, and HSE compliance. Reviewed and approved subcontractor coating documentation and procedures.
April 2006 – Sep 2006
TOCO/WILLBROS-Kawther
Worked as Coating Engineer for Kawther pipeline project in Muscat, Oman. Planned and supervised coating qualification procedures for 18” and 36” pipelines. Conducted training and qualification of field joint coating technicians in accordance with PDO requirements. Performed daily field inspections and executed both site and laboratory testing to ensure compliance with project specifications.
Nov 2005 To May 2006
GL-TOTAL-DOLPHIN PROJECT
Served as QA Coating Inspector for the 48” offshore gas pipeline project executed onboard SAIPEM C6 barge. Conducted daily production inspections for pipeline coating and subsea structure painting activities. Ensured coating application met international standards and client specifications. Monitored offshore coating operations to maintain quality and schedule compliance.
May 2005 to Nov 2005
GL-Russia-SHELL- Sakhalin Phase 2 Project
Worked as Third-Party Client Coating Inspector representing Shell on the Sakhalin Phase 2 offshore project. Supervised pipeline field joint coating and subsea structure painting activities onboard SAIPEM SEMAC1 barge. Verified compliance with project specifications and international coating standards. Ensured QA/QC documentation and testing met client requirements.
July 1999 to April 2005
Various Inspection Agencies-Various Projects-Onshore/Offshore
Worked as QC Engineer, Painting Inspector, and Welding Inspector across refineries, offshore platforms, gas plants, and tank farms in Egypt. Performed welding inspection for pipelines and fabrication works, along with coating inspections for maintenance and new construction projects. Served major oil and gas operators including GUPCO, MIDOR, and Petrobel. Built strong foundational expertise in corrosion protection, welding QA/QC, and industrial coating systems.