In 2011 SINTEF established a Brazilian research association, the Instituto SINTEF do Brasil (ISdB), based in Rio de Janeiro.
The idea was primarily to take part in the considerable research market linked to oil and gas activities on the Brazilian shelf, where major technological developments are taking place.
Due to regulations issued by the authorities, it became impossible for ISdB to cover its costs. For this reason, SINTEF decided to carry out a controlled closing down of ISdB in 2015.
Successful restructuring process
A successful two-year restructuring process followed. This process fulfilled SINTEF's obligations towards customers and employees in Brazil, while achieving financial sustainability in ISdB's local operations for the first time.
Building on this successful turnaround, SINTEF is ceding control of its subsidiary to the current management team in Rio from November 2017.
The restructured Brazilian entity, an association named ISdB FlowTech, will succeed ISdB in all its obligations in Brazil, and will be managed by the same team who implemented the two-year restructuring process.
Flow and reservoir technology
The technical focus of ISdB FlowTech will be within flow and reservoir technology. An agreement on cooperation between SINTEF and ISdB FlowTech has recently been signed, to ensure close links between technical teams in Norway and Brazil, and joint efforts in R&D marketing and sales.
– The new set-up will provide more flexibility while maintaining the strong scientific ties between the Brazilian and Norwegian teams, with clear benefits for both parties as well as existing and future customers, says Jack Ødegård, Vice President Research in SINTEF.
– With the new set-up, we look forward to continue addressing the technological challenges with our R&D efforts in Brazil. We have built up a strong local team, with very good relations to the SINTEF team in Norway, says Dr. João Carneiro, Lead Scientist and Associate Partner at ISdB FlowTech.
