innovation and technology

Transcription

# 155 vol. XXXVIII July/August 2011
English Edition
photo: ricardo telles
ODEBRECHT informa
INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
“People show their creativity
by proving to be capable
of viewing reality from
different angles and taking
pleasure in playing
with ideas”
TEO [Odebrecht Entrepreneurial Technology]
INNOVATION
AND TECHNOLOGY
# 155
VOL . XXXVIII
JUL/AUG 2011
022_OI155_Capa_ING.indd 1
Creativity
and the spirit
of service come
together in a
transforming
encounter
8/1/11 2:21 PM
Next issue:
Communities
rESPONSIbLE FOr COrPOrATE COMMUNICATION AT CONSTrUTOrA NOrbErTO
ODEbrECHT S.A. Márcio Polidoro
Founded in 1944,
ODEbrECHT is a Brazilian
organization made up of
diversified businesses with
global operations and
world-class standards of
quality. Its 140,000 members
are present in the Americas,
the Caribbean, Africa, Asia
and Europe.
rESPONSIbLE FOr PUbLICATIONS PrOGrAMS AT CONSTrUTOrA NOrbErTO
ODEbrECHT S.A. Karolina Gutiez
bUSINESS ArEA COOrDINATOrS Nelson Letaif Chemicals & Petrochemicals |
Andressa Saurin Ethanol & Sugar | Bárbara Nitto Oil & Gas | Daelcio Freitas
Environmental Engineering | Sergio Kertész Real Estate Developments |
Coordinator at Odebrecht Foundation Vivian Barbosa
EDITOrIAL COOrDINATION Versal Editores
Editor-in-Chief José Enrique Barreiro
Executive Editor Cláudio Lovato Filho
English Translation by H. Sabrina Gledhill
Art/Graphic Production Rogério Nunes
Graphic Design and Illustrations Rico Lins
Photo Editor Holanda Cavalcanti
Electronic Publishing Maria Celia Olivieri
Printing 1,600 copies | Pre-Press and Printing Pancrom
EDITOrIAL OFFICES Rio de Janeiro +55 21 2239-1778 | São Paulo + 55 11 3641- 4743
email: [email protected]
Originally published in Portuguese. Also available in Spanish.
8/1/11 9:52 AM
INFORMA
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1
8/3/11 5:20 PM
www.odebrechtonline.com.br
Read Odebrecht Informa on your iPad and smartphone.
Features, articles, videos, photos, animations and infographics.
The achievements of the Odebrecht Organization on your tablet and smartphone.
Online edition
Online archive
Innovations
> You can view
this entire issue
in HTML
and PDF
Video reports
Blog
> P-59 platform is the center of attraction
in a first for the global oil industry
> Antonio Cardilli launches the
Savvy – Folks Who’ve Learned from
Work and Life Project
> At Quintas Private Residences,
sharing a dream makes
it come true
> Access all back issues of Odebrecht
Informa since no. 1, and download
full issues in PDF
> Odebrecht Annual Reports since 2002
> Special publications (Special Issue on Social
Programs, 60 years of the Odebrecht Group,
40 Years of the Odebrecht Foundation and
10 Years of Odeprev)
> In Angola, the theater is
one way to inform people
and raise awareness on
Health, Workplace Safety
and Environment
> Check out Odebrecht’s
innovative Shared Services
Center
> Clean Water Project takes
Brazilian state of Espírito
Santo to a new level in
terms of sanitation (water
and sewer)
SAFEGUARDING SUSTAINABILITY
Cetrel ensures environmental protection in
the Camaçari Complex’s sphere of influence
> Follow Odebrecht Informa
on Twitter and get the
latest news in real time
@odbinforma
> Comment on blog entries
and participate by sending
suggestions to the editors
> Read posts on the
Odebrecht Informa
blog by the magazine’s
reporters and editors,
including Cláudio Lovato
Filho, Fabiana Cabral,
José Enrique Barreiro,
Karolina Gutiez, Renata
Meyer, Rodrigo Vilar,
Thereza Martins, Zaccaria
Júnior and collaborators.
>Salgueiro: community
relations and a major
project in the backlands
of northeastern Brazil
> Special features that make
the iTower office tower
project unique
8/3/11 5:20 PM
Innovation & technology
Cover photo by Nilton Souza
&
NEWS
PEOPLE
CAPA
Ilustração de Rico Lins
PHOTO: RICARDO TELLES
#155
6
Quintas Private makes luxury homes accessible
through fractional ownership
10
New Orleans is working at top speed to protect itself
from natural disasters
14
Pioneering engineering solutions score winning goals
at the Fonte Nova Arena works
18
Railways are coming to make life easier in Pernambuco
and Rio Grande do Sul
22
Luiz Roberto Chagas: innovation is the engine that
drives an organization’s competitiveness and growth
26
A program that encourages teams to pursue innovative
solutions and recognizes their creativity
28
Innovation: the result of a joint and daily quest by
Braskem and its clients
32
Using precast pieces ensures more speed and safety
when building the Santo Antônio hydroelectric plant
36
In a global first, a jack-up platform is launched from
another floating vessel
42
Platform Norbe VI arrives in Brazil, introducing major
innovations for offshore oil exploration and production
46
Twenty years ago, the contract was signed to build
platform P-18, a milestone for the offshore industry
50
Technology is becoming a competitive edge for the
sugar and ethanol industry
52
A long-held Brazilian dream is coming true in Itaguaí,
Rio de Janeiro: building submarines
56
Odebrecht medics discuss the role of technology
in improving health and quality of life
58
For family farmers in northeastern Brazil, the
middleman is becoming a thing of the past
62
Luis Fernando Cassinelli writes about Braskem’s
unflagging drive to introduce new solutions
66
68
70
72
76
77
78
SAFETY
PERU
PROFILE
COLOMBIA
PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT
FOLKS
SAVVY
INFORMA
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4
INFORMA
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EDITORIAL
The spirit
of service
never rests
I
t happened in Bahia, at the São Roque do Paraguaçu shipyard, in June: for
the first time in the world, a jack-up platform was launched from another
floating structure, in this case, a barge. This innovation has already become a
benchmark for the oil and gas industry. From the Brazilian Northeast to the US
“Through the
expertise and
the constant
dissatisfaction
of its members,
Odebrecht since
its inception in 1944
has sought to provide
the communities
in which it operates
with innovative
solutions that
break established
standards”
South: in New Orleans, the city where jazz was born, which was devastated by
Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the levee system is the target of an extensive restructuring project with the help of some innovative engineering solutions. There is also the
pioneering use of thermoplastic resins in oil exploration and farming projects, and
the installation of concrete sleeper and form factories at railway construction sites
(one of those factories, located in Salgueiro, Pernambuco, Brazil, is the largest in
the world). And then there is the first-ever implosion of a Brazilian soccer stadium
and the technological revolution that is getting underway in that nation’s ethanol and
sugar industry.
You’ll read all about these stories and more in this issue of Odebrecht Informa.
Besides covering Innovation and Technology, this number of the magazine discusses creativity and how vital it is for anyone working in an entrepreneurial organization to have a constantly dissatisfied and restless spirit. Through the expertise and
continued dissatisfaction of its members, Odebrecht since its inception in 1944 has
sought to provide the communities in which it operates with innovative solutions that
break established standards, shatter paradigms and reach new heights of productivity while moving in a very clear direction: making everything that inventiveness and
the accumulation of knowledge and business experience can provide more advantageous for the community. Through the simplicity and humility of people endowed
with the spirit of service, this capacity for invention and creation becomes the link
between each client’s dream and its fulfillment - with expertise and passion - by this
Organization’s members.
This way of seeing life and work has certainly contributed to making Odebrecht one
of the 10 organizations that won the Young People’s Dream Company award, sponsored by the Cia. de Talentos recruitment and selection consultancy. This achievement means that most of the 50,000 Brazilian college graduates surveyed spontaneously stated that they would like to start their professional careers at Odebrecht.
Good reading.
INFORMA
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SHARING
happ
If many people share a dream,
it has a better chance of coming true.
That’s the case in Sauípe, Brazil
written by LEONARDO MAIA
photos by JÚLIO BITTENCOURT
6
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:20 PM
piness
Fábio: aos 32 anos,
liderando a atuação
da Odebrecht em
um projeto de alta
Home in Quintas Private
Residences: fully furnished
and equipped with appliances
INFORMA
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Quintas Private, part of the Quintas Grande Laguna gated
community; on the next page, Rodrigo and Kaline with their kids:
the family was spending too much on hotels
magine arriving at your beach house and always
“We’ve introduced a concept in this market that
finding everything spic and span and in perfect
breaks away from the conventional model and reflects
working order. All that without hiring a caretaker,
consumers’ needs. Recent surveys show that five years
pool attendant or housekeeper. You just show up
after purchase of a beach or country house, the owner
and enjoy the private swimming pool, the gour-
uses it for just one month per year on average. At Quin-
met area and other exclusive amenities, along with up
tas Private, you only pay for what you actually use. We’re
to eight people, including relatives and guests. Magic?
offering a new vacation concept,” explains Franklin Mira,
On the North Coast of the northeastern Brazilian state
the Director Responsible for the Sauípe Destination.
I
of Bahia, more precisely in Sauípe, this became a reality
8
a year ago, thanks to the innovative shared use system
Spending too much on hotels
known as fractional ownership.
Those consumers are people like Rodrigo and Kaline
This is the system used for Quintas Private Residenc-
Cavalcanti, a young couple with three children, aged 6,
es, part of the Quintas de Sauípe Grande Laguna gated
3 and 2. “We bought this at just the right time. We were
community, which also includes conventional home-
spending too much on hotels. Every trip, we needed at
owners. Clients who opt for the fractional ownership
least two hotel rooms. Thanks to this system, we can enjoy
system can buy one of 12 fractions of a house, or even
100% of the assets invested,” says Rodrigo, 32, a physician
more if they prefer. Each fraction entitles the buyer to
from Feira de Santana, Bahia. His wife, Kaline, agrees,
use the house for four weeks per year, with up to eight
adding: “The best thing is getting there and finding the
people staying in four en-suite bedrooms. They can also
house neat and clean, with all the modern conveniences.
swap one or more weeks for foreign vacations using
You don’t even have to tidy up when it’s time to leave.” Dur-
a portfolio of more than 100 residential ventures and
ing their stay, clients are entitled to housekeeping servic-
thousands of upscale hotels belonging to The Registry
es three times a week and two changes of bed linen. They
Collection, the luxury club that is part of the American
can also enjoy pay-per-use services, including daily maid
RCI group.
service, a masseuse, breakfast at home, grocery deliver-
Completely furnished and equipped with appliances,
ies and various types of special buffets, such as barbecue.
all top-of-the-line, each house is fully outfitted (with
Convenience and return on investment were compel-
towels, bed linen, cutlery, crockery) and comes with air
ling reasons for the couple’s decision, but they were not
conditioning, cable TV and Wi-Fi. It also has a service
the only ones. For them, wellbeing is even more impor-
area, including servant’s quarters and storage and laun-
tant. “Buying this fraction has changed my life. My stress
dry facilities. All that plus regular maintenance for 100
levels have fallen dramatically and I’m much less impa-
years, the duration of the contract with each user. In case
tient and restless. Not only that, but it’s wonderful to be
of death, the owner’s heirs can inherit the fraction.
able to plan your vacation and book your holiday up to a
INFORMA
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20 years ago in the US and Europe, it enables users to
enjoy the house for at least one week during a high season. Users can select their four weeks up front, choose
different weeks throughout the year or deposit them in
The Registry Collection, which offers more than 100 destinations in countries such as Italy, Mexico, the UAE and
Thailand. “The potential for exchange is fantastic. The
family can vacation anywhere. You can deposit your week
and forget about who will occupy the house. Internationalization creates an interesting flexibility,” says Franklin
Mira. Besides the options already mentioned, the owner
of the fraction can resell it at any time or rent out a week
they cannot use.
Quintas Private has the highest rating in the RCI
group’s portfolio. For example, a client can use the
points for one week at Sauípe to spend two weeks at
a Disney resort or up to four weeks at a boutique hotel
in northeastern Brazil. Alejandro Moreno, Director of
RCI Brazil, explains: “Quintas Private’s prime location,
with an ocean view and a lagoon, is truly amazing. The
houses are tastefully decorated and fit into our concept
perfectly. Moreover, the more popular a destination is
with our clients, the more credits it gets in The Registry
Collection.”
Already a familiar concept in other countries, fractional
ownership is making a successful debut in Brazil. Today,
in addition to Quintas Private, there are two other residential ventures in operation in that country and three under
construction. Not to mention that hotels are yet another
option for the system’s users. The current challenge is to
publicize the system as widely as possible. “Our biggest
year in advance. I always want to spend time with my fam-
challenge is breaking a paradigm and providing a product
ily,” says Rodrigo.
that is undersold in Brazil. When they ‘test drive’ this innoJosé Eduardo:
In addition to the facilities that Quintas Private offers to
vation, people will immediately see the advantages.
It’s no
aprendizados
fractional ownership clients (a restaurant, movie theater,
se
coincidence that 40% of our clients comeprecisam
from personal
gym, sports court, cyber café, kids room, spa and private
recommendations,” says Franklin.
converter em
access to the beach, among others), they can also enjoy the
Rodrigo and Kaline are the front runners when it
amenities at the Costa de Sauípe resort and get a 15% dis-
come to recommendations. They like Quintas Private
count on paid services at the complex of hotels and inns.
so much that they have recommended it to 20 friends,
Attractions abound. “A system like this injects more vitality
and 12 have purchased a fraction. “Everyone who could
into the entire area. Twelve owners make the most of each
buy one now owns one. By recommending it to friends,
home and give a tremendous boost to the destination’s so-
we’ve also helped create a friendly environment. We al-
cial and economic dynamics,” observes Franklin Mira.
ready feel at home. I love to cook, so I bring my seasonings with me and use the gourmet area in the house. We
Smart rotation
always invite friends to join us. That’s one of the advan-
The choice of the weeks when each house will be used
tages of having four en-suite bedrooms at our disposal,”
is based on the smart rotation system. Introduced over
says Rodrigo.
INFORMA
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MARATHON IN
new orleans
The US city is working hard to prevent disasters
like the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina
written by KAROLINA GUTIEZ
“I
photos by LIA LUBAMBO
compare the situation experienced after Ka-
woman’s name destroyed everything in its wake. “Ka-
trina to different types of racing competitions.
trina brought me here. I’d never been to New Orleans
Shortly after that tragedy, it was like a 100-me-
before,” reflects the retired soldier from the state of
ter dash. At the local, state and federal levels
Montana, with slightly halting speech.
we had to provide a rapid emergency response
Odebrecht has participated in the 10-km race and
to help hurricane victims. Once emergency issues
is now running the marathon at the head of two of the
were resolved, we started to rebuild the protection sys-
53 projects that comprise the system to protect the city
tem we had before the tornado: a 10-km race. Today,
against hurricanes and flooding of the Mississippi Riv-
we are running a marathon, which means completing
er, the most important waterway in the United States
the system, which was unfinished, and making it more
(which, together with its main tributary, the Missouri,
efficient to avert the risk of disasters like the one in
is also the nation’s largest river – 6,270 km long), and
2005. We haven’t reached the finish line yet, but we’re
Lake Pontchartrain, the second-largest salt-water
getting close.”
lake in the country. Odebrecht is working under con-
With this analogy, Jeff Bedey, the retired US Army
tract to the Corps, whose client is the Levee District.
Corps of Engineers (Corps) Colonel who spearheaded
the creation of an organization responsible for re-
Protection system
building the levee system, raising levees and repair-
New Orleans, which is located on the south shore
ing the pumping stations, sums up the stages the
of the lake, and the surrounding parishes (counties)
State of Louisiana, and especially the City of New Or-
that form Greater New Orleans, are completely sur-
leans have gone through since that hurricane with a
rounded by walls and levees. “The protection system
is innovative because it has different structures: retaining walls built on metal piles (with “T” and “L”
shapes), frontal reinforcement for the pumping sta-
10
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:20 PM
tions, and various types of gates for vehicles, trains and ships, maintaining a steady flow of traffic on the roads, railways and waterway.
The aim is to protect the city and its inhabitants while keeping access
routes open, which is vital to the local economy,” explains Gustavo Silveira, the Project Manager for one of Odebrecht’s contracts, known as
LPV-9.2.
The Corps’ initial challenge was designing an integrated system of
structures that would protect the city and could be built on time and
within the budget approved by Congress - USD 14 billion. The study
used information from past events in the region and, through simulations, the Corps established the necessary parameters: the system
will protect Greater New Orleans from 100-year hurricanes and floods
(with a 1% statistical probability of occurring every year). Katrina had
the intensity of a 496-year event.
In the case of the pumping stations, the Corps has also developed
and built an innovative type of structure, called a safe house, next to
each station. Safe houses monitor and operate the pumps remotely
in extreme wind and rain. These structures are designed to withstand
winds up to 400 km/hour and provide operators with a shelter 10 m
above ground, ensuring continuous operations during an emergency.
The Corps has also built an integrated Command Center that manages the entire system and houses 58 people, with a supply of natural
gas and electricity that will keep it self-sufficient for up to two weeks
if a Category 5 hurricane should hit the region – an extreme situation.
Pumping plant works and, opposite page,
Colonel Jeff Bedey: “We haven’t reached the
finish line yet. But we’re getting close”
INFORMA
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The entire building is reinforced to withstand strong
Working near operational stations
winds, and has a kitchen, laundry, six televisions con-
The LPV-9.2 project that Odebrecht is carrying out
nected to surveillance cameras, news and weather
on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain includes building
channels, and a small factory to make sand bags,
walls that will serve to strengthen and protect four wa-
which help contain water in emergencies in case of
ter pumping stations damaged by Katrina. The walls,
minor system failures. The Command Center also
which are designed with a final elevation of 5.80 m above
monitors the daily flow of shipping on the Mississippi.
the level of the lake, are a continuation of the levees next
That is where Giuseppe Miserendino, Director of
to the stations. When the hurricane hit the city, the un-
the West Jefferson Levee District, keeps track of each
12
protected system could only pump at 45% capacity.
vessel on the river in real time, using a projector in
The main challenge of this project is the require-
front of his desk, which visualizes critical points such
ment that pumping stations cannot be shut down dur-
as areas near the banks, in tight spots where boats
ing construction. At any time, if necessary, the area
might hit the levees. When the Odebrecht Informa
where the workers are building the walls could be
team paid him a visit, Giuseppe had been sleeping at
flooded so the pumps can start pushing water from
the Command Center for four weeks in a room inside
the canals into the lake.
his office, due to the critical level of the river dur-
The stations play a key role in the city, which is
ing one of the worst floods in 100 years. His family
mostly below sea level. Because they link the net-
had come to visit him often during that period. “It’s a
work of drainage canals in New Orleans, these sta-
delicate and extremely important matter. They know
tions are often used, sometimes when it isn’t raining.
that if a hurricane comes, they have to leave town im-
Every time this happens, Odebrecht’s workers get 15
mediately.”
minutes’ warning. That is all the time they have to re-
“Born and raised in New Orleans,” Giuseppe says:
move their equipment and leave the area. “Over the
“Katrina gave us the possibility of improving the pro-
past four months, we’ve been flooded 14 times,” says
tection system we already had, which was incom-
Gustavo Silveira.
plete. After that, we’ve made progress toward having
Given these the challenges, and in compliance with
a safe house in operation at each pumping station,
technical and contractual requirements, Odebrecht
ensuring that they keep working, which is critical
has developed a unique system of temporary cof-
during a flood.” Jeff Bedey argues that no natural di-
ferdams or caissons, which contain valves and mini-
saster that impacts the community is a good thing.
spillways. These structures allow the work area to
However, he recognizes that: “In the midst of tragedy,
dry out, creating an obstacle for the pumping station
the lessons we learn are very important. We have to
that does not exceed the elevation of 0.25 m above the
move on and try to make decisions and do whatever
lake. The valves are automated so that operators at
is necessary to reduce the chances of something like
the plant can control them remotely when they need
that ever happening again.”
to flood the system.
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:21 PM
The temporary caisson
built in the flooded area,
and Giuseppe Miserendino:
sleeping in a room inside
his office for four weeks
“This idea is widely used in dam construction, but
Because the barges that deliver materials are too
it had never been used quite this way. When a dam is
big to enter the canal where the wall is being built, it
being built, cofferdams dry out the area of operations.
was necessary to excavate the slopes on the banks.
Unlike our situation here, it is almost never necessary
The excavation limit is 2.75 m, but a much larger
to flood that area during construction,” says Gustavo.
area would have had to be excavated to make room.
“This solution has brought significant savings to the
In the end, Odebrecht’s teams only excavated 1.5 m,
project,” says Rudy Armenta, Odebrecht’s Project Di-
so the amount of earthmoving was smaller, and all
rector in Louisiana.
deliveries of materials are being done with small
Valued at USD 175 million, the LPV-9.2 project is
boats that transfer them from a barge anchored at
being built near a residential district. To protect the
the canal entrance. This solution has reduced the
neighborhood from noise pollution, the Odebrecht
dredging operation by 45% (about 240,000 m³), and
team has implemented three solutions that jointly
only removed what was needed for smaller boats to
dampen the noise of the construction work. The
reach the jobsite. “The savings we got through this
first is the installation of two curtains that are au-
logistics solution helped us win the contract,” says
tomatically raised and lowered. The second, which
Rudy Armenta.
cost nothing at all, was changing the route for the
Another innovation was replacing the solder used
concrete trucks. The third was using a Giken Pile
in the 3,500 connectors attached to the I-piles, which
Press. Unlike conventional pile drivers, the machine
help anchor the base of the wall. Instead of being
noiselessly presses the piles into the ground. It also
welded, the connectors were screwed in place. That
improves quality, because it corrects their alignment
move not only reduced the cost of the job but the time
and plumb.
required to do it without affecting quality or changing
The other project, LPV-3.2, is a USD 85-million con-
the original design.
tract that involves the construction of a retaining wall,
“We are working on behalf of the entire city, which
also built on metal piles in a flooded area. The 4,800-m
has been keeping a close eye on the project as a
long structure will replace the one built in the 1980s.
whole because it is a very sensitive matter, especially
The new protection system is built on one bank of a
at a time when the Mississippi River is so high,” says
canal that is directly linked to Lake Pontchartrain, and
Rudy Armenta, who is now a member of the commu-
therefore affected by its water levels. “If the water is
nity affected by this issue. “I’m fully committed to this
high, it’s hard to get the work done. When it’s low, it
project. I’ve bought a house and moved here with my
interferes with the delivery of materials, which is all
family from Miami. I’m not only aware of the public’s
done through the canal. So in our case we are con-
concerns about storms and floods but share and face
stantly battling with the water levels, just like the city
the same situation. And that motivates me in my work
itself,” says Rami Nassar, the Project Manager for the
and our quest for innovation, with a focus on produc-
contract.
tivity and quality.”
INFORMA
13
8/3/11 5:21 PM
written by LUIZ CARLOS RAMOS
photos by MÁRCIO LIMA
arena
FOR INNOVATION
14
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:21 PM
Gilson: “Já estou me
preparando para
Building the Fonte Nova
outros desafios”
Arena and the implosion of
the old stadium, step by step:
contribution to Brazilian
engineering
S
occer is one of Brazil’s greatest passions, and
in the near future, attending matches will
become a happier, safer and more comfortable experience for fans in the State of Bahia.
Completion of the Fonte Nova Arena in the next
eighteen months will ensure that the City of Salvador can host
the Confederations Cup games in 2013, a group from the 2014
World Cup, and more. Vital to the future of the sport in Bahia,
the arena will be more than a stadium: seating up to 50,000
people, it can also be the venue for great performances by singers and bands from Brazil and around the globe.
The future Fonte Nova Arena will not result from the remodeling of the former Octávio Mangabeira Stadium (popularly
known as “Fonte Nova”) , which opened 60 years ago and was
shut down in 2007. Instead it will be a brand-new modern facility built with innovative technologies. Now, a year after the old
structure and its blue concrete bleachers were demolished by
an implosion that was a first in the history of Brazilian stadiums,
workers and machines are steadily transforming the area next
to Dique do Tororó lake with every passing day.
Consórcio Arena Salvador 2014, a joint venture of Odebrecht
and OAS, is building the facility. The companies will also run
Fonte Nova Arena after it officially opens, which is scheduled for
early 2013. Dênio Cidreira, president of Fonte Nova Negócios e
Participações, the company created to devise the best use of
the arena, explains: “The big news is that we will not just build
a stadium, but a multipurpose arena that will be important for
soccer and for the arts and culture in Bahia, because it will also
host major shows, conferences and events of all sizes. It will
The teams building
the Fonte Nova Arena
in Salvador, Bahia, a
future venue of the
2014 World Cup, are
introducing pioneering
engineering solutions
certainly be a new destination for business and entertainment
that will be available to the public all year round.”
Alexandre Chiavegatto, from Odebrecht Infraestrutura, the
Project Director for the joint-venture contractor, says that the
implosion of the old Fonte Nova stadium on August 29 was an
excellent start. “That operation has made an important contribution to the technology of the construction sector in this country. This was the first time it had been done with a stadium – and
a stadium the size of Fonte Nova, in a densely populated area
in a big city,” says Chiavegatto. Until then, implosions in Brazil
had only been done with residential buildings and similar urban
structures, such as commercial and office buildings.
The challenge of fighting against the weather will be honored, says Benedicto Barbosa da Silva Júnior, Entrepreneurial
Leader (CEO) of Odebrecht Infraestrutura – the company that,
along with Odebrecht Participações e Investimentos (OPI), is
responsible for the Organization’s participation in this venture:
“The project is right on schedule. The Fonte Nova Arena will be
INFORMA
15
8/3/11 5:21 PM
an important legacy for the State of Bahia, because it will
The demolition of the lower ring of bleachers at Fonte
be a watershed for the creation of new businesses and ur-
Nova, Antonio Balbino gym and the swimming pools had
ban renewal. It will boost property values in the city center.”
already been done with bulldozers and jackhammers in
Felipe Jens, the Investment Leader (CEO) of OPI, un-
the first half of 2010. But the main part of the structure
derscores that the State of Bahia has partnered up with the
was still standing. Imploding it was the safest and most
private sector to carry out this project: “Investments in the
economical option, according to Chiavegatto. A company
Fonte Nova Arena are being made on the basis of a public-
specializing in implosions, Arcoenge, was hired to take
private partnership (PPP) contract and concessions.” Ode-
care of the technical details, placing explosives inside the
brecht is not only involved in the construction of arenas but
stadium structure and detonating them once the area had
also in their future operations.
been cleared.
Odebrecht, which is also working on three other stadi-
”It went off without a hitch,” says Alexandre Chiavegatto.
ums for the World Cup – building the Pernambuco Arena,
The operation involved innovative solutions: the protection
in the Recife metropolitan area, and the Corinthians sta-
of the pillars, the test blast and the crushing of the demol-
dium in São Paulo, and remodeling Maracanã in Rio – has
ished concrete.
plenty of experience in that area. It has remodeled Maracanã Stadium once before, and completed Engenhão, both
Youth participation
for the 2007 Pan American Games. In the United States, it
”It all ended well, and lots of people wept with emo-
has built the American Airlines Arena and a football sta-
tion,” recalls Diana Paes, who joined Odebrecht in 2007
dium for Florida International University.
as an intern. Now a full-fledged member, she is a role
Odebrecht Informa visited the jobsite in Salvador in June.
model for the 786 workers who are building the project
– 535 in production and 251 in administration. “I was the
Spectacular implosion
girl at the implosion,” Diana admits, smiling. “Now I’m
“For safety’s sake, local residents were removed from
the girl at the jobsite.”
the area beforehand. During the implosion, the material
For the 22 interns working at Fonte Nova, Diana is also
fell within the area around the stadium, without harming
an example of dedication and success, explains Thiago
the public or their heritage,” recalls Alexandre Chiavegatto.
Gomes Cunha, who has a business degree and seven
The resulting 77,000 tonnes of concrete have been recycled
years’ experience at Odebrecht. He has worked at Fonte
to produce crushed stone for the future arena and other
Nova since March as the Developing Interns Program co-
infrastructure works, with the advantage of avoiding the
ordinator: “Young people should always aim for growth.
inconvenience of numerous truck trips. It also protects the
Each intern has their individual leader and undergoes as-
environment by eliminating the amount of carbon dioxide
sessments. Dialogue is fundamental.”
those vehicles would have emitted.
One of those interns, Vinicius do Lago Maio, 26, a
The implosion took place on a Sunday, broadcast live
fourth-year business student at Jorge Amado University, is
around the country. It was the first concrete step towards
thrilled to be there: “I’ve always dreamed of working here.
building stadiums for the 2014 World Cup. Bahian en-
Now I can exchange ideas with experienced professionals
gineer Diana Paes, 26, who joined Odebrecht four years
on a daily basis.”
ago, helped coordinate the operation, and describes the
general feeling: “We were all moved when the bleachers
16
Technological challenge
fell.” Diana took part in the advance work done to raise lo-
The transformation of Fonte Nova has also involved
cal residents’ safety awareness. She gave talks explaining
other steps, such as using scaffolding on flatbed trucks
details of the project, which were also set forth in a booklet
to shore up the structure next to the facility that cur-
that featured a photomontage of a scale model of the arena
rently serves as the administrative building for the site
on the cover and the surrounding area of the city with the
and will be maintained for future use. The coordinator,
following appeal: “We need your help to build this dream.”
Mário Sérgio Cardoso Marques, says that this step was
A communications system including TV and radio spots
completed in four months, from October of last year to
and newspaper advertorials helped answer the local com-
January of this year, thanks to a dose of creativity: “The
munity’s questions.
truck moved forward as we worked so we didn’t need
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:21 PM
Daniel: “Esta é
uma empresa que
continua me dando
oportunidades”
Paulo Henrique and
Fidelfino: soccer
rivalry at the jobsite
to set up more scaffolding. As a result, we saved time
first national champion, the Bahia soccer club won the
and money.”
Brazil Cup in 1959 and the Brazilian title in 1988. The of-
In the area where the new stadium is being built, earth-
ficial attendance record was set at Fonte Nova when Bahia
moving has been completed and the piles are in place. The
beat Fluminense of Rio 2-1 during the Brazilian semi-final
soccer field is starting to take shape. Soon the stands will
of 1988, before 110,438 paying fans. Vitória, the state’s oth-
be going up, in the style of modern arenas built in recent
er main club, was Brazil’s vice-champion in 1993 and also
years in Europe, the US and Japan. Then the roof will be
won second place in the 2010 Brazil Cup.
installed to protect the spectators.
During construction of Fonte Nova, the relaxed atmo-
According to the design, the arena will be horseshoe
sphere among the workers does not keep the rivalry be-
shaped, affording a splendid view of Dique do Tororó, one
tween the Bahia and Vitória fan clubs from bubbling to the
of the most scenic spots in the city. The project is keep-
surface. One of the most ardent Bahia fans at the jobsite
ing strictly to schedule to ensure that Salvador is on the
is safety technician Paulo Henrique Souza dos Santos, 22,
list of cities hosting Confederations Cup matches in 2013,
who unbuttons his uniform to reveal his club’s red, white
and Consórcio Salvador Arena has developed a plan of at-
and blue jersey: “We are in the Brazilian A Series (first divi-
tack including two work fronts, starting at both ends of the
sion) again,” he says, beaming with pride. Standing beside
horseshoe.
him is carpenter Fidelfino Machado dos Santos, 42, and the
Alexandre Chiavegatto explains: “We will use six fixed
shirt he displays is the red and black of Vitória. “Our team is
cranes outside and two mobile cranes inside the arena to
in the B Series (second division), but soon it will rise again
cover the entire length of the area to be built. This solution
and play at Fonte Nova,” he predicts.
will save time while averting the risk of injury or financial
Not all the materials resulting from the implosion have
loss.” The grass will have perfect drainage so games will
been recycled. Chunks of concrete from the old Fonte Nova
never be rained out. Ramps and public access corridors
stadium are still on the site. The workers have collected
are spacious and safe.
bits of the bleachers, still painted blue, and saved them as
relics. Two thousand other pieces have been encased in
Rivalry and unity
clear acrylic boxes and donated to the Sister Dulce Social
The future Arena will also include a parking garage,
Works (OSID) charity. OSID is selling them at BRL 35.00
shops, restaurants and a cultural space that tells the story
apiece, and the BRL 70,000 they hope to raise will be used
of soccer and classic Bahia vs. Vitória (Ba-Vi) games, as
to support the religious mission begun by the recently be-
well as music and other local cultural expressions. The
atified nun, bringing hope to the needy in Salvador.
INFORMA
17
8/3/11 5:21 PM
Roger e sua equipe:
“Existe aqui a possibilidade de termos
muitos líderes, que
nos ajudam no autodesenvolvimento”
Plants set up at the
jobsites are speeding
up construction of the
Transnordestina Railway
and the Porto Alegre
Metro in Brazil
written by THEREZA MARTINS
photos by ÉLVIO LUIZ AND MATHIAS CRAEMER
18
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:21 PM
n the Northeast and South of Brazil, Odebrecht
site. She explains that its geographic location – the same
Infrastructure teams are combining creativity, in-
distance from Eliseu Martins, Suape and Pecém – is stra-
novation and technology to build two projects in
tegic for keeping up the pace of the workfronts, which are
the transportation sector with major economic
moving ahead almost simultaneously. “Not only that, but
and social impacts: the Transnordestina (Trans-
the soil in Salgueiro has the ideal hardness and strength
Northeastern) Railway in Pernambuco and the exten-
for the production of crushed stone used as track ballast.
sion of Line 1 of the Trensurb (Empresa de Trens Ur-
And we use the byproducts of crushed rock to make con-
banos de Porto Alegre) Metro in Rio Grande do Sul.
crete sleepers, at no additional cost.”
I
Industrial jobsites set up specifically for that purpose
are working virtually non-stop to support these two
The world’s largest sleeper plant
projects. Using cutting-edge technology, innovative so-
To meet the contract deadlines, two engineers,
lutions and expert teams, the pace of work is moving
Rodrigo Borges, responsible for the Transnordestina
forward in line with the clients’ expectations and needs.
sleeper plant, and Isaac Lacerda Tannus, manager of
the railway superstructure, traveled to Italy in 2009 to
From the backlands to the coast
visit manufacturers there. They found the technology
A venture of Transnordestina Logística (TLSA), a
and equipment required to produce up to 4,800 concrete
subsidiary of Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN),
sleepers per day, which will be used as rail supports.
construction of the Transnordestina Railway is already
“Right now, this is the largest railway sleeper fac-
changing the landscape of the region where its freight
tory in the world in terms of production capacity,” says
trains will be running. The 1,728-km railway line will
Rodrigo. “Because it’s covered, it can work around the
connect the city of Eliseu Martins, Piauí, to the port of
clock, non-stop, including nights and on rainy days,
Suape in Pernambuco, with a trunk line linking Sal-
until it produces the 3-million-plus railroad ties this
gueiro, Pernambuco, to the Port of Pecém in Ceará.
project requires.”
Working as an alliance, TLSA and Odebrecht Infraestru-
Rodrigo emphasizes that the productivity they are
tura are building a 1,218-km section of the project. Con-
getting is down to a combination of several innovations.
struction began in 2010, with completion scheduled for
They include the design of the factory, with three identi-
the end of 2012.
cal interconnected units that work simultaneously while
The Transnordestina-Odebrecht alliance is re-
preventing a total shutdown if one stops operating for
sponsible for the Eliseu Martins-Suape section, which
any reason; the possibility of producing broad-gauge
crosses through the arid hinterland of the Brazilian
and dual-gauge sleepers with the same forms, with mi-
Northeast, traversing rural Pernambuco and the forest
nor adjustments; the process of steam-curing concrete,
area on its way to the coast. Almost halfway along the
reducing its maturation time to a few hours; and vacu-
line lies Salgueiro, a town whose economy is based on
um equipment that can remove the forms and position
commerce, services and small family farms. Located
up to eight 370-kg concrete sleepers for storage.
on the BR-116 highway linking Brazil from Ceará to Rio
These methods and resources are all available on
Grande do Sul, that is where Odebrecht Infraestrutura
the market, but combining them on a single project has
has built the main jobsite for the project.
given the work a major efficiency boost. “Planning and
“Salgueiro is the central hub for all the
resources used to build the railroad,”
technology are what sets us apart,” said Isaac Tannus. Referring to the industrial jobsite, he men-
says Júlia Fadul, the engineer re-
tions that logistics and planning ensured the
sponsible for the industrial job-
optimum scale and location of the facilities
and plants, which are side-by-side to help
drive the project’s supply chain.
Installing a precast piece for the
Trensurb Project: with help from
the “mammoth” and its INFORMA
“tusks”
19
8/3/11 5:22 PM
From the top of the quarry where the material
is extracted to produce 4,500 cu.m of crushed rock
daily for track ballast, you can see the sleeper plant,
the rock crushing plant, the storage facility for railway tracks and other materials, the welding bay,
warehouse, maintenance workshops and the access
tracks from where the gantry cranes set off to distribute rails and sleepers along the bed of the Transnordestina. “Producing the materials we need on the
spot saves time and money, with guaranteed quality,”
says Isaac.
In June, when the Odebrecht Informa team visited
Salgueiro, the industrial jobsite was operating at full
steam, building up a stockpile of sleepers, welded rails
and other materials. Nine smaller jobsites were also
hard at work in Pernambuco, Piauí and Ceará, providing support for earthmoving services.
Sharing knowledge
Transnordestina is not just transforming the
landscape of the region through which it runs. It is
also broadening the horizons of students at tech-
Isaac Tannus at the
Transnordestina
works: “Planning
and technology
are what set us
apart”
nical and engineering schools, bringing them new
knowledge, experience and learnings. The Federal
contract was still under review and the approval
Technical School at Salgueiro is grooming profes-
never came.
sionals for the railroad. And at the jobsite next to the
City residents sent a petition to the State Govern-
sleeper plant, a visitor service center is being built
ment with 60,000 signatures in favor of expanding the
with a capacity for 30 people, equipped for video
Metro line, and in 2008, the state gave the project the
presentations and lectures.
green light, with a four-year deadline for completion.
“This project is generating a tremendous amount
But money was tight, and Nova Via, the joint-venture
of interest due to its technical and innovative aspects,
contractor led by Odebrecht Infraestrutura, limited its
as well as the economic impact that it represents,”
activities to planning and developing the detailed engi-
says Isaac Tannus. He adds: “There are plenty of
neering design.
good reasons for that. Investments in rail transport
“The civil engineering works began in 2009, when
in Brazil stood still for nearly three decades. Trans-
the project was included in the Federal Government’s
nordestina will bring new business opportunities and
Growth Acceleration Program (PAC),” says Project Di-
sources of income to the Northeast. This will be the
rector Nilton Coelho. “Our first major challenge was
main outlet for the wealth produced in this region.”
keeping to schedule, while building a four-year project
in three,” he observes.
From Porto Alegre to Novo Hamburgo
20
The pace of construction is speeding up on the 9.31-
We now go from the Northeast to the South of
km elevated tracks where the subway trains will run,
Brazil. Plans for the expansion of Line 1 of Tren-
along with four stations and two bridges with 90-m
surb date back some time. Subway service already
spans across the Sinos River, one for the subway and
includes the cities of Porto Alegre, Canoas, Esteio,
another for vehicles. “We are working ahead of schedule,
Sapucaia do Sul and São Leopoldo. In 2002, a ten-
and will deliver the first 4.5 km stretch by July, includ-
der was held for construction of the 9.31 km stretch
ing Rio dos Sinos Station in São Leopoldo, and Liberdade
required to reach Novo Hamburgo, but by 2007 the
Station in Novo Hamburgo,” says Nilton.
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:22 PM
on rollers to move it along the tracks. It is replacing
the use of conventional cranes in this operation, and
doing it handily.
“The elevated tracks follow the route of the main
streets and heavily traveled roads, which would have
had to be blocked off if we used regular cranes, resulting in delays in the work and inconvenience for the
public,” says Rodrigo. Comparing the use of the “mammoth” and conventional cranes, the first represents a
time savings of around 33%, and in terms of costs, a
significant savings of 65%.
Among the materials and construction methods
used on this project, the highlights are the preference
for glass blocks instead of masonry walls for the stations, and using rubber from chopped-up tires to make
the sidewall sections. Placed on the surface of the
concrete plates, the rubber deadens noise caused by
the friction of train wheels on metal tracks, and glass
blocks allow natural light into the stations, saving energy, ensuring comfortable temperatures and giving a
lighter look to the visual design.
The experience Odebrecht Infraestrutura’s teams
have gained on the Trensurb project is described in
Plants at the jobsite
three papers submitted for the 2009 and 2010 editions
The construction teams are meeting the challeng-
of the Odebrecht Highlight Awards in the Innovation,
ing deadline by using precast beams and slabs for
Knowledge Reuse and Young Partner categories.
the superstructure and metal formwork for pillars
Trensurb expects that this expansion project will
and beams cast at the jobsite. “We built two precast-
add 30,000 new users per day as soon as the new sec-
ing plants near Liberdade Station, working 24 hours
tion of Line 1 of the Metro officially opens. “The high-
a day. During that period we have produced three
way linking Porto Alegre to Novo Hamburgo is fully
beams weighing 58 tonnes each and 20 slabs,” says
saturated. The expectation is that the subway will si-
Rodrigo Lacerda, the project’s Engineering and Plan-
phon off some of that traffic,” says Trensurb Project
ning Manager.
Manager Lino Sérgio Fantuzzi, the General Supervisor
Rodrigo explains that the main benefits of using
for the expansion works. He adds: “One of the new sta-
metal forms instead of wood include complying with the
tions, Fenac, in Novo Hamburgo, will be linked to an
design specs, optimizing use of resources and boosting
intermodal transport platform connected to local and
productivity. The teams are using a steam curing sys-
intercity bus lines.”
tem for concrete beams, which also makes the work go
Trensurb CEO Humberto Kasper, who took office on
faster. The choice of equipment was also based on the
June 1, emphasizes that the benefits of this project go
pursuit of productivity combined with quality.
beyond mobility. “It’s part of the urban renewal project
being carried out along the route of the elevated tracks.
Speedy mammoth
The urban space will be improved with parks, bike
Like the animal that went extinct thousands of years
paths, schools and police stations,” he says. He also
ago, the “mammoth” developed by the Odebrecht In-
points out another social benefit: nearly 800 families
fraestrutura team for the Metro in Rio Grande do Sul
who lived near the elevated tracks have moved into brick
uses its “tusks” to lift the plates that form the elevated
and mortar houses in an area with the infrastructure of
track sidewalls. The “mammoth” is a gantry crane set
roads, water, power and sewer systems.
INFORMA
21
8/3/11 5:22 PM
INTERVIEW
kn
Luiz Roberto:
“It’s important to
distinguish between
innovation and invention”
22
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:22 PM
CAN-DO
knowledge
written by RENATA MEYER
PHOTOS BY
ARTUR IKISHIMA
hen a major engineering chal-
OI – How do you prepare yourself to provide
lenge arises on Odebrecht con-
support for highly complex projects?
tracts anywhere in the world,
LUIZ ROBERTO – For me, engineering is a passion. I’ve al-
Luiz Roberto Batista Chagas
ways liked to study, and I think it’s important for any
knows it’s time to pack and trav-
professional to stay up to date. Even outside of work,
el. A 43-year veteran of the Organization and a gradu-
I read about various topics related to that area in my
ate of the Federal University at Bahia (UFBA) Poly-
spare time. Over the years, this habit has been very
technic, the civil engineer provides support for highly
important because it has given me the fundamentals
complex projects in Brazil and around the globe. The
for working in various different fields of engineering.
solid experience he has built up over the years resulted
Today, I’m dealing with a wide range of challenges.
in the publication of his first book in 2008: Construction
Before contributing to the engineering solutions of a
W
Engineering – Major Works. Two years later, Luiz Ro-
given project, I try to get as much information as I can
berto received the Engineers’ Union of São Paulo Tech-
about the project in general and the specific challenge
nology Personality Award in the Internationalization of
at hand. Then, I do some research and assess the need
Brazilian Engineering category. In this interview, he
to get other professionals involved, whether from in-
explains how innovative ideas can make the difference
side or outside the Organization. Solutions and decision
when it comes to the success of a project and winning
making always result from discussions with the proj-
a new business.
ect’s teams. It’s never an individual endeavor.
INFORMA
23
8/3/11 5:22 PM
OI – What sort of challenges are you used to
altogether. To be worthy of the name, an invention
dealing with?
must go through several degrees of maturation in
LUIZ ROBERTO – Each project has its own peculiarities, and
a slow process that involves extensive research,
challenges can involve several fields of engineering at
testing, certification and patents.
once. Usually they have to do with excavations, foundations, structures and finishing for construction works,
OI – How does Odebrecht address the theme
taking into account the natural, logistical and economic
of innovation?
aspects and cultural contexts of the places where they
LUIZ ROBERTO – Innovation is part of our core entrepreneur-
will be carried out. One example is the construction of
ial culture. The philosophical concepts of the Odebrecht
Braskem’s ethylene plant in Mexico (the Ethylene XXI
Entrepreneurial Technology (TEO) present a very strong
project, in the state of Veracruz). The land where the proj-
challenge: engaging in the constant pursuit of excellence
ect will be built is composed of an expansive type of soil
and winning over clients, which can only be achieved
called lutita (shale or lutite), which will require finding a
through innovation and continued dissatisfaction with pre-
way to restrict its de-
viously achieved results.
formations to accept-
For this reason, the
able levels in order to
company always en-
avoid future problems
in the project’s founda-
“Ideally, teams
courages its members
to seek improvements
tions. There are several
should be able
technologies available
to anticipate problems,
not only in engineering
seeking practical
tion, finance and gen-
for this. The challenge
is to find the best technical solution for this
situation that is also the
most economical.
OI – In your view,
what does it mean
to innovate?
in their work processes,
but also in administra-
solutions that are
eral support. One im-
appropriate for each
regard was the creation
situation from the
very start”
portant initiative in this
of the Highlight Awards,
which provide a strong
incentive to foster innovative ideas in all the
LUIZ ROBERTO – Inno-
various environments of
vating means renew-
the Organization.
ing to get things done
OI – What role does
with fewer resources
24
and thereby obtain efficiency gains, whether it’s in
innovation play in engineering?
production processes, administration and finance,
LUIZ ROBERTO – Innovation is the basis for the ad-
or services. Innovation drives growth and com-
vancement of engineering. When carrying out a
petitiveness in any organization. It is the result of
project, planning is the exercise that leads to the
the constant pursuit of excellence. It is the com-
pursuit of innovation. So it must be dynamic in or-
mitment that people undertake to always being
der to allow for course corrections. Sometimes,
on the lookout for opportunities to improve their
teams looking for solutions to tough situations
work processes. However, it is also important to
must surpass themselves in the search for viable
distinguish innovation from invention. I consider
alternatives to overcome those challenges. That’s
innovation to be everything a company does for the
why it’s important for people to be constantly alert
first time in order to achieve greater efficiency and
to possibilities for innovation. Ideally, teams should
effectiveness in its projects. It could be a tool, sys-
be able to anticipate problems, seeking practical
tem or process that already exists in the market.
solutions that are appropriate for each situation
Inventing something entirely new is another thing
from the very start.
INFORMA
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:22 PM
OI – How does innovation impact the Organi-
OI – How do leaders help groom innovators?
zation’s competitiveness?
L UIZ R OBERTO – A leader must always encour-
LUIZ R OBERTO – By implementing innovative ideas,
age their team members to seek what is best.
you can increase the efficiency and effective-
Sometimes the solution to a particular chal-
ness of processes, reduce operating costs, solve
lenge is right there, and people don’t realize
technical challenges and thereby gain competi-
because they are too involved in their daily
tiveness. But it is important to remember that
routines. But when the challenge is set, in-
innovation is only meaningful when it brings
novations tend to arise naturally. However, for
practical results. As much as you may want to
this to happen, leaders must be imbued with
innovate, you mustn’t view each project like a
the company’s philosophy, devoting their time,
laboratory. Our top priority must always be to
presence, experience and example, and giving
honor our commitments to our clients and en-
all the support the individual needs to grow and
sure the safety and quality of our services.
develop.
OI – How do different
OI – What is the main
areas of the Organi-
challenge for innova-
zation share their innovative ideas?
LUIZ ROBERTO – Despite
the decentralized nature of the Organization,
the transfer of knowledge between different
environments is strongly
encouraged. To that end,
the company has created Knowledge Communities, which bring
“Innovation is only
tion today?
LUIZ ROBERTO – The main
meaningful when it
challenge lies in profes-
brings practical results.
ability to keep up with
As much as you may
sional education; in its
the rapid advance of
technology. Today’s uni-
want to innovate, you
versities must teach stu-
mustn’t view each
development. Engineers
project like a laboratory”
dents to engage in selfmust be entrepreneurs,
first and foremost, so
together members with
they can respond posi-
common interests who
tively to the challenges
want to share their
of the market. The col-
know-how and inno-
lege curriculum is the
vations. Today these
main reference tool for
communities include segments such as Highways,
that sort of learning. In my view, an engineer’s education
Dams and Power Plants, Subways, Real Estate
must be based on three pillars: basic knowledge,
Ventures, Ports and Equipment, among others.
encompassing core disciplines such as Math-
The leaders of these groups are professionals
ematics, Physics and Chemistry; professional
with extensive experience in their fields. Often,
knowledge, which focuses on more specific as-
community participants are invited to share their
pects of the engineer’s academic training, such
experiences with teams working on several of the
as building bridges, roads, ports and structures;
Organization’s projects. This can be done before
and business knowledge, which involves the sub-
the start of each project, through meetings of the
jects of Leadership, Business Management and
Action Program’s (PA) engineering modules, or
Contract Administration, among others. When an
even during construction. The project director for
interactive team that is motivated to overcome
the contract in question always takes the initiative
previous results is equipped with this range of
and lead, and makes decisions regarding these
knowledge, these are key ingredients for innova-
meetings.
tion in engineering.
INFORMA
25
8/3/11 5:22 PM
A case where
a country provides
real incentives for
entrepreneurial creativity
VALUAB
written by EDILSON LIMA
photos by RICARDO TELES
Participantes do
Acreditar Angola:
protagonistas de
uma nova era
no país
INFORMA
Santo Antônio
Hydroelectric
Plant: an
exemplary case
26
8/3/11 5:22 PM
ABLE
I
ideias
f the hot topic at the construction site is technologi-
Another success story is the work being done during
cal innovation, it’ll just be a matter of time before it
construction of the Santo Antônio hydroelectric power
gets a visit from the Odebrecht Innovation Research
plant in the state of Rondônia. The team there has de-
Program (POIT) team. Created in 2008, this program
veloped motorized equipment to remove core samples
aims to identify solutions devised at the jobsites and
from depths of up to 5 meters. The samples are taken
encourage creativity among the project’s teams. The Ode-
from the sites where the foundations for transmission
brecht Organization is already getting visible results, both
line towers will be built. The equipment speeds up the
in garnering tax incentives (Law no. 11.196/2005 introduced
collection of samples, providing technical information
tax breaks for companies that develop technological inno-
that is used to design the foundations.
vations) and managing new knowledge.
“The biggest benefit of the POIT is saving time, be-
Step by step, the process goes like this: once an inno-
cause innovations are recorded. The next time around,
vative project has been identified at a jobsite, a team from
we can avoid repeating previous mistakes or imple-
Pieracciani, a consulting firm for the POIT, goes out to the
menting new procedures. There’s no need to reinvent
site, performs an inventory, organizes the necessary docu-
the wheel,” says José Roberto Brandão, the officer
mentation and assists the teams based on the criteria es-
Responsible for providing Engineering Support for
tablished by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MCT)
Augusto Roque, CEO for Generation in Brazil at Ode-
and current fiscal and tax laws. Every year, the POIT sends
brecht Energia.
a report to the MCT covering all the innovative projects
produced during that period, including Research, Devel-
Water reuse
opment & Innovation (R, D & I) activities and the benefits
Aquapolo Ambiental, a subsidiary of Foz do Brasil,
obtained. “Part of our job is to produce evidence that the
will apply a new water reuse process technology for
project in question is truly innovative,” says Alfonso Abrami,
the first time in Brazil. Jointly developed by Constru-
the consulting firm’s Technical Director.
tora Norberto Odebrecht and Foz do Brasil, it involves
The POIT is run by a committee representing Odebrecht
using ultrafiltration membranes and reverse osmosis
Engineering & Construction companies, Construtora Nor-
methods that will allow compliance with the water
berto Odebrecht’s Tax Planning area and Pieracciani. Peri-
quality requirements of the Capuava Petrochemical
odically, its members meet to review and approve the proj-
Complex in São Paulo State, where the treated water
ects that have what it takes to be included in the program.
will be used.
Essal was one of the first projects included in the POIT. It
The POIT is one of several initiatives in the field of
involves equipment used for geological studies of the marine
knowledge production, management and sharing at
subsoil developed during the project to extend moles in the
Odebrecht, such as the Highlight Awards. The program
Port of Rio Grande, in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do
fosters innovative practices through partnerships with
Sul. The construction of this equipment to survey the subsoil
universities and research institutes, as well as the Or-
saved money on imports, since it didn’t exist in Brazil.
ganization’s clients and suppliers, encouraging innova-
Dante Venturini, the officer Responsible for Func-
tion throughout the supply chain.
tional Support for Engineering at Odebrecht Infraestru-
Since the POIT was created, leaders have been en-
tura, underscores the importance of systemizing knowl-
couraged to seek new achievements in technological
edge: “The POIT makes us appreciate the creativity and
innovation all the time. “Bit by bit, the culture of inno-
knowledge produced at the jobsites, which many people
vation and knowledge sharing is spreading throughout
discard once the work is done. That’s not the way to do
the Organization’s businesses. Our members are start-
it. All knowledge we obtain must be organized so it can
ing to realize how important this is to the quality of our
be shared and used in the future, while always seeking
services, as well as adding value to the Organization’s
gains in productivity,” he emphasizes.
brand,” explains Alfonso Abrami.
INFORMA
27
8/3/11 5:22 PM
WITHOUT
28
rival
Braskem
polypropylene:
focusing on each
client’s individual
needs
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:22 PM
“B
ecause we are working in a highly
competitive global marketplace where
innovation is a key factor for success,
written by LUCIANA MÓGLIA
photos by RICARDO CHAVES
we must be very focused on providing outstanding products, developing
new applications for our clients and the continued pursuit of cost competitiveness so that we are our client’s
choice due to excellence in products and services,” observes Patrick Teyssonneyre, Director of Innovation and
Technology at the Braskem Polymers Business Unit
(UNPOL). In 2010, UNPOL’S Innovation and Technology
teams launched 41 projects, representing USD 180 million in potential returns in five years. Expectations are
that in 2011 they will launch about 80 projects with a potential return of USD 290 million.
At Braskem, innovation serves the client’s best interests. In practice, this means that the company’s innovation and technology laboratories and pilot plants
are always working on the creation of new resins that
meet the needs of plastic processing companies, getting
ahead of trends, improving the performance of existing
products and seeking sustainable solutions.
“At Braskem, researchers go into the field together
with members of the commercial area to anticipate
trends, identify new potential applications and study
the markets to determine whether ideas are feasible or
not,” explains Teyssonneyere.
Looking to develop new markets, Braskem is now
supplying polypropylene resins that Bredero Shaw uses
to insulate and rust-proof steel pipelines that transport
oil from offshore, as well as the polypropylene that Nova
Plast uses to make coffee sacks for export.
Offshore pipelines
In the middle of the last decade, Braskem spotted an opportunity to work in the market for pipelines
used in deep-water oil and natural gas exploration
– and it is already getting results. Petrobras alone is
expected to build at least another 15 offshore rigs by
2017, including 8 to 10 platforms for exploration of the
Providing outstanding
products and services
are Braskem’s priority
in its pursuit of increased
competitiveness
pre-salt layer, which signals a promising market. “We
found that polypropylene is widely used for that application, but all the resin was imported,” says Braskem
PP (Polypropylene) Product Development Manager
Alessandro Cauduro Lima.
To become a supplier to the oil industry, Braskem
sought out Bredero Shaw, which saw advantages in the
INFORMA
29
8/3/11 5:22 PM
Innovation and Technology Center team members: creating new plastic resins while paying special attention to sustainable solutions
company’s proposal, such as a continuous supply of
which partnered up with Braskem to launch a product
product and local technical service, which suppliers
made with PVC instead of asbestos in 2011. Another
from outside Brazil could not provide. The challenge
partner is Acinplas, a pioneer in Brazilian production
was to produce a plastic resin that met higher thermal
of silobags (plastic silos for grain storage) for farmers,
requirements, since the main function of coating poly-
which teamed up with Braskem to find the best tech-
propylene piping and offshore steel pipelines used to
nology, analyze market viability and develop the raw
transport oil is to act as a thermal insulator, preserving
material.
the input’s original properties.
Thanks to the creation of PVC roof tiles, the Bra-
The development of resins for this application, be-
zilian market in March was introduced to a pioneering
gun in May 2008, was completed by the end of 2010.
alternative to tiles made with asbestos or aluminum. It
“During that period, the product was subjected to the
all started in mid-2009, when a shareholder of Precon,
rigorous approval process established by Petrobras,”
another Braskem client, introduced the idea in Brazil
says Alessandro Lima.
after it had been tested and approved in the Northern
The first time this application was used was for
Hemisphere. From the start, it had potential sales of
Petrobras’s P-55 platform. The pipelines that offload
100,000 t/year – about 20% of the domestic roof tile
oil and gas from that rig are a total of over 80 km long,
market.
which should require almost 3,000 tonnes of PCD 0140
The first step was developing the formula for the
and PCD 0140BR. Expectations are that consumption
compound used to make the tiles, which have specific
will total 6,000 t/year in 2011 and more than 10,000 t/
requirements such as resistance to weathering and
year by 2013.
processing. In China, members of the Braskem Market
Development team and Precon found a roofing model
30
Replacing asbestos with PVC
that does not require a large investment and has tech-
The international market is an endless source of
nical performance suited to the Brazilian market.
ideas for new applications that can be very well-re-
That partnership was not limited to production. “We
ceived by Brazilian clients. That was the case with Pre-
worked together to build the business model for putting
con, a roof tile manufacturer based in Minas Gerais,
the product on the market, since the client was already
INFORMA
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:22 PM
pectations. By 2011, the company had sold 290 tonnes
of polypropylene for that application. According to
Braskem Application Engineering and Polypropylene
Market Development Manager Mônica Evangelista, the
market for coffee packed in jute sacks is estimated at
12 to 15 million units. “The same products made from
polypropylene could potentially replace 40% of that
market,” she says.
Grain storage
Some time ago, Acinplas, a national leader in the
production of plastic packaging for fruits and vegetables based in Estância Velha, Rio Grande do Sul, was
thinking of facilitating production of silobags in Brazil
as an alternative for farmers. The company contacted
Braskem, which already supplied it with polyethylene
used to make plastic bags, and they worked together to
find a way to produce silobags in Brazil and introduce
an alternative grain storage culture in that country.
The product is already a success in Argentina,
whose farmers consumes about 150,000 units/year.
active in the roofing business and could use their exist-
Consumption in Brazil was low – just 5,000 units, at
ing sales channel,” says Antônio Rodolfo, the Braskem
best. “Once we found a machine manufacturer in Chi-
Manager for Application Engineering and Market De-
na, Braskem immediately sent Linear PE (polyethyl-
velopment. “Braskem has been a terrific partner in this
ene) resin there for testing. After making the necessary
product launch, contributing to development, technolo-
adjustments, we developed a durable and economical
gy and marketing,” observes Décio Gomes, CEO of Pre-
product,” explains Acinplas Commercial Director Gus-
con. The company has a production capacity of 12,000
tavo Bazzano.
t/year of PVC roof tiles and is investing in expansion to
reach 16,000 tonnes by the end of the year.
Acinplas has invested BRL 10 million in setting
up its silobag factory in Sapiranga, RS, called Pacifil Brasil, which began operations in early 2011. The
Coffee packaging
unit has an annual production capacity of 60,000 si-
Another joint evaluation of the applications of that
lobags, consuming up to 6,000 tonnes of polyethyl-
raw material confirmed the idea, shared by Braskem
ene per year. Pursuant to the agreement between
and Nova Plast, that plastic could be a good alterna-
the two companies, Braskem will be the exclusive
tive for manufacturing coffee packaging for export.
supplier for eight years. According to Bazzano, Paci-
“Caffè Dóro issued a report some time ago, indicating
fil already plans to expand production capacity next
that polypropylene sacking is the best way of preserv-
year with a projected investment of BRL 7 million.
ing the quality of coffee based on parameters such as
“We are amazed by the demand, especially from
aroma, cleanliness, sweetness, flavor and bitterness.
grain producers in the Midwest. We have sold 10,000
That was the final factor that made Nova Plast, a man-
units this year,” says Bazzano. Braskem Account
ufacturer of screens, sacking and other polypropylene
Manager Carlos Carlucci underscores the sustain-
products, decide to invest in factories to produce poly-
able nature of this initiative: “Pacifil is prepared to
propylene fiber sacks,” says Roberto Samartim, the
receive and recycle 10% of the silos sold,” he says.
owner of Nova Plast.
In other words, Brazil and Argentina may be soccer
The product was launched on the market in 2010
and, according to Samartim, sales are meeting ex-
rivals, but in the case of silobags, they are playing on
the same team.
INFORMA
31
8/3/11 5:22 PM
32 produc
IN THE MOLD OF
written by FABIANA CABRAL
photos by RICARDO TELES
L
ike pieces of a Lego set with various geo-
the construction master plan, developing new precast
metric shapes and sizes and volumes.
pieces is key for optimizing the work, the safety of the
This is a simple definition for the precast
company’s members and the preservation of the envi-
pieces used in civil construction. But on
ronment. “In construction, the industrialization of some
this particular project, precast pieces
processes boosts the quantity and quality of activities
mean flexibility, quality and safety.
These pieces were first used in some countries dur-
32
while ensuring people’s safety and quick results,” explains Project Director Mário Lúcio Pinheiro.
ing post-World War II reconstruction. They became
The precast pieces are manufactured by 240 pro-
popular in Brazil in the 1950s, when businesses began
fessionals in two yards near the site where they will be
to streamline and industrialize processes. More than
used. “We produce 400 units per month, weighing from
60 years later, the presence of precast pieces in large
5 to 28 tonnes apiece, and we plan to increase produc-
projects is growing steadily, and their applications are
tion by 100 units over the next six months,” says Yards
becoming more and more challenging.
Manager André Lima.
Odebrecht Energia is building one of the largest hy-
The project involves 827 different types of precast
droelectric projects in the country in the Brazilian state
pieces and more than 11,400 have already been installed.
of Rondônia: the Santo Antônio plant, which will have 44
“Precast pieces involve more assembly and less casting.
turbines and generate 3,150 MW of energy. According to
The more we reduce the casts used for these structures,
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:22 PM
uctivity
Precast pieces
help put
construction
of the Santo
Antônio
hydroelectric
plant ahead
of schedule
Santo Antônio hydroelectric
plant in Rondônia: precast
pieces (lower right) also
improve workers’ safety
conditions and environmental
preservation
the faster the work goes,” says Technical and Engineer-
The Engineering and Production teams got together
ing Manager Fernando Dias Resende. He adds that the
with the designers to make the idea a reality, and af-
pieces are used as needed, based on feasibility. “Precast
ter six months of discussions and drafts, the precast
pieces for the gallery [providing access for technicians
piece was created with a metal form. The teams de-
and equipment used for turbine maintenance], the par-
signed shapes weighing 11 to 21 tonnes according to
apet walls and jersey barriers are widely used in large
the crane’s available lifting capacity.
projects. Our challenge is to create original items, and
we have already developed a few,” he explains.
The new pieces are already being installed in the
suction pipes for Generator Group 2 and will also be applied to Generator Groups 3 and 4, all on the left bank.
Combining new solutions
Each pipe consists of 20 pieces, and a total of 36 tur-
One of the new pieces specially designed for the plant
bines will be installed using 720 precast pieces of dif-
is a precast suction tube (a cone-shaped hydraulic de-
ferent shapes and weights. To facilitate transport, the
vice located at the turbine exit). The idea came up after
largest precast pieces in the design are made right next
using the conventional method – wood concrete forms –
to the site where they will be used.
for Generator Group (GG) 1, on the right bank of the Ma-
“We have reduced the execution time for the layer
deira River. “Wood forms need repairs and, moreover,
from 60 to 45 days and increased productivity, safety
their reuse rate is poor,” says Fernando Resende.
and environmental conservation,” says Rodrigo Galli,
INFORMA
33
8/3/11 5:22 PM
“The pieces do
not need touchups, because
they are ready for
use, minimizing
rework”
Making precast
pieces at the
plant’s jobsite
Almir Chieregato
Production Manager for Power House 2. He explains
terface of the project. The trunnion beam supports the
that, as a result, members are less exposed to the
arm of the sluice gate, which controls the level of the
3
risk of accidents, and 948 m of timber and 2,800 m
plant’s reservoir. Using the conventional method, the
of falsework (steel structures for bracing and securing
beam would be made by installing lateral bracing sup-
reinforced concrete) per unit are no longer required.
ported by a concrete pillar. Rodrigo Galli explains that
3
When precast pieces cannot be used, the process
the precast piece has reduced the amount of work done
is industrialized by assembling rebars in advance. “In-
at height – the beams are 30 meters off the ground –
stead of taking hundreds of rebars to be assembled at
because they used cranes to install the parts. He ob-
heights of dozens of meters, we assemble the structure
serves that this solution has slashed costs by 50% and
on the ground and a crane positions it for concreting,”
reduced the work schedule by 20%, from 35 to 25 days.
says Rodrigo Galli.
“We have ensured that we will finish the civil engineer-
These methods also keep the work fronts clean and
organized and contribute to the quality of the struc-
ing works on schedule so we can begin the electromechanical activities and start diverting the river.”
ture’s finishing. “The pieces don’t need touch-ups, be-
The diversion of the Madeira River officially began
cause they are ready for use, minimizing rework. Each
on July 5, in the presence of Brazilian President Dilma
structure is fully finished,” says Quality Control Man-
Rousseff, Mines and Energy Minister Edison Lobão, and
ager Almir Chieregato.
local and federal authorities, along with Marcelo Odebrecht, President and CEO of Odebrecht S.A., Henrique
Key part of river diversion
Valladares, Entrepreneurial Leader (CEO) of Odebrecht
Another precast piece developed for this project was
Energia, Eduardo de Melo Pinto, President of Santo An-
the trunnion beam used to support the main spillway,
which is essential to the civil and electromechanical in-
tônio Energia, and other leaders.
President Rousseff triggered the device that opened
the spillway floodgates, allowing water to flow through
Accompanied by Eduardo de Melo Pinto (left), Minister
Edison Lobão, Rondônia Governor Confúcio de Moura,
and Marcelo Odebrecht, Brazilian President Dilma
Rousseff triggers the device that opens the spillway
floodgates: diversion of the Madeira River begins
the structure. “Santo Antônio represents a commitment to the Brazilian environment and sustainable development,” she said.
Mário Lúcio Pinheiro observes that this event
marked the beginning of a new phase of the project.
“The ideas conceived and lessons learned on the right
bank will be applied on the left. We will work hard to
ensure that the first turbine starts generating power by
December 2011, and the other 43 are operating by the
end of 2015,” he adds.
According to Rodrigo Galli, teams from the company’s other projects have visited the jobsite to familiarize themselves with these new ideas so they can apply
them in the future.
34
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:23 PM
TWENTY YEARS OF
DISTINGUISHED CREATIVITY,
INNOVATION AND
COLLABORATION
DON’T MISS OUT ON
PARTICIPATING IN THIS
COMMEMORATIVE EDITION
SIGN UP AND SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT
UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
BECOME A PART OF THIS HISTORY
Innovation
Young Par tner
Environment
Community
Relations
Utilization of the
Knowledge
Health and Safety
at Work
HTTPS://WWW.PREMIODESTAQUE.COM
For more information on the Destaque Award, please contact
Ciaden ([email protected]).
IINFORMA
NFORM
NFORM
ORMA
35
3
5
8/3/11 5:23 PM
The platform
on the BGL-2
barge: Brazilian
innovation
FOURTEEN SECO
hi
36
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:23 PM
P-59 is the first
jack-up platform in the
world to be launched
from another floating
platform
written by EMANUELLA SOMBRA
photos by ARTUR IKISHIMA
ONDS THAT MADE
history
INFORMA
37
8/3/11 5:23 PM
F
rom the top of P-59 platform’s control
tower, we hear the first in a series of
three alarms that will trigger the release of the 7,700-tonne giant, carefully positioned on Petrobras’s BGL-2
barge. Four tugs are waiting for the operation to
start, which is expected to happen at noon on a gray
and rainy Friday. The excitement is growing every
minute as the countdown goes on. We are awaiting
the moment when P-59 will fall into the brackish
waters of the Paraguaçu River, close to its mouth.
Mário Moura and Jacques Raigorodsky – respectively, the officer Responsible for Field Engineering
and the Corporate Engineering Manager – are waiting on the BGL-2, where a team of about 50 people
are starting to move quickly to the stern of the vessel, considered the safest place to be when the rig
shoves off. The operation is expected to take two
minutes early, but, providentially, the rain stops.
The third whistle blows at 11:45 am.
Then, Moura and Raigorodsky give the green
light for the launch: the activation of the hold-down
yard in São Roque do Paraguaçu, a district of the
system (something like a thousand-tonne slingshot)
town of Maragogipe, 133 km from the state capi-
releases P-59 from the barge, which is gently slop-
tal, Salvador, Bahia. It all began in 2007, when the
ing down at about five degrees. Gravity starts to do
tender for the construction of platforms P-59 and
its part and the rig slides across the BGL-2 with
P-60 called for the completion of the project in a
near-zero friction. The operation has been calculat-
place that was not adapted for launching offshore
ed to take place on the calm and sheltered waters of
platforms. One of Petrobras’s conditions was
the Paraguaçu, Anyone watching the operation from
that the rigs had to be built in the municipality of
afar will have the impression of seeing a huge toy
São Roque, whose shipyard was not equipped to
skimming on the water, making giant waves until it
launch those rigs.
finally sails smoothly and stabilizes with the help of
the tugboats.
“The choice of São Roque was a way of continuing a process that already existed in the region –
the tradition of building jackets for oil rigs in the
Two and a half years of work
1980s,” explains Odebrecht Project Director José
The launch operation took less than a minute
Luís Coutinho. “Not to mention that the São Roque
– more precisely, 14 seconds – after two and a half
shipyard had recently been mobilized to build top-
years of work by nearly 2,000 people from Consór-
sides [process modules and utilities] for the PRA-1
cio Rio Paraguaçu (a joint venture of Odebrecht En-
platform.” To fufill the client’s requirements, the
genharia Industrial, Construtora Queiroz Galvao S/A
joint-venture contractor evaluated all of the al-
and UTC Engenharia), and represented an unprec-
ternatives available in the offshore industry. The
edented feat in offshore engineering. This was the
problem was that none of them was financially vi-
first time in the world that a jack-up (self-elevating)
able or logistically feasible.
oil rig had been launched from another floating vessel, in this case Petrobras’s BGL-2 barge.
38
“The challenge was to find the most innovative
methods that we could propose to become more
The critical moment of the operation took place
competitive and win the tender,” recalls Jacques
in June, as a result of hard work done at the ship-
Raigorodsky, the engineer in charge of devising a
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:23 PM
Getting ready
for the launch
in São Roque
do Paraguaçu:
operation
involved over
1,700 workers
solution. One option would be to create a dry dock
could offer during the tender, but I had to convince
where P-59 and P-60 would be built. But it wasn’t
the guys that this was feasible. At first, everyone
even entertained for a simple reason: the high cost
said it couldn’t be done,” the consultant recalls.
of its implementation.
Gaining the confidence of the client and his
Another alternative was to build a launch ramp
own colleagues was just the first battle to be won.
similar to those used in conventional shipyards, but
Once that hurdle was overcome, the joint-venture
that solution was also discarded because it would
contractor presented this proposal in the bid. It
also have had a substantial impact on the budget,
won the tender, largely due to the competitiveness
and it required the modification of the yard’s original
generated by that innovative method for launch-
layout. “After that procedure, we would have had to
ing the rigs. After signing the contract, the team’s
dismantle everything and leave the place as it was
challenge was to prove in practice that the launch
before.” The third and last technology evaluated –
method would actually work. How? By using a
loading the rigs onto a submersible barge that is
1:50 scale model and developing specific software
made to sink like a submarine – would have cost
for the operation – in other words, a model and a
about USD 5 million per operation. That solution
computer program to do all the calculations for
would require importing barges that might not even
the simulation.
be available.
The solution was to use the testing tanks at the
Lab Oceano, in Rio de Janeiro, where every possible
Brazilian method
launch option was thoroughly tested. The model
Then the light bulb of creativity lit up. In Jacques
helped determine how the platform and the barge
Raigorodsky’s mind, a fourth alternative seemed
would behave during the launch, which helped them
entirely possible – a barge normally used to launch
arrive at a launch angle that could overcome the
jackets (steel towers used in the extraction of oil
friction of inertia without making the rig pivot about
and gas) could also be used to launch a structure
on the deck. The effect of pivoting would make the
with a hull. “It was a way to use a Brazilian method
platform rear up, causing the hull to come to rest on
that is owned by Petrobras, and which the company
a single point of the barge deck, which would dam-
INFORMA
39
8/3/11 5:23 PM
Worker at the yard and P-59:
new horizons for the Brazilian
oil industry
40
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:23 PM
age one or both of the structures. During that trial
outcome of all that work,” says Moura, before giv-
and error stage, the team used 23 launch settings,
ing his next instructions by radio. Standing close to
and 92 simulations were required to determine the
the river bank, he is still orchestrating the legion
safest angle: 5.46 degrees. After that, the next step
of workers who are striving to continue the success
would be to find a material that would create the
achieved in the previous month.
least possible friction between the surface of the
barge and the hulls of P-59 and P-60.
Now that the team has met the main challenge
of revolutionizing offshore engineering by making
The most appropriate combination was familiar
it possible to use a new technology to launch jack-
to old salts, and Odebrecht’s own engineers had
up platforms, São Roque do Paraguaçu is getting
been testing it for decades. “It’s a nearly century-
ready to repeat the same procedure with P-60. It
old method: applying mutton tallow to the skids,
may seem simple, but it’s not. This is because Ode-
which, in our case, are made of steel on top and
brecht and its joint-venture partners shared the
wood on the bottom,” says Mário Moura. “And to
effort to complete P-59, which was towed back to
complete the process we coated the concrete and
shore at the yard after the launch, where it under-
steel ramp with Teflon, so when these surfaces
went the procedure of jacking the legs (when the
come into contact, they produce very low friction,
basic support structures are stabilized at the bot-
about 2%.” Since the initial tests began, he worked
tom of the river).
in partnership with Raigorodsky to develop the
It will take about six months to finish building
method, taking charge of everything from coordi-
the rig. Another load-out procedure will be required
nating the teams to supervising every step to en-
to install the drill floor before it can set out to sea
sure that the operation went smoothly.
and start drilling offshore. Both P-59 and P-60 are
designed to operate in areas near the coast, at wa-
Leveling the barge with the pier
ter depths of up to 110 m water. Their drilling ca-
Moura watched the launch of P-59 in the Para-
pacity is abyssal: out in the ocean, they will be able
guaçu River from the best place to feel the impact
to drill up to 10,000 m deep, which means they will
of displacement: the barge itself. Three days ear-
reach the oil deposits in the pre-salt layer.
lier, he also was responsible for every detail of the
“We’ve established a milestone for the offshore
load-out – the transfer of the rig from dry land to
industry, and this has been a fantastic learning ex-
the BGL-2, using a system of hydraulic jacks and
perience for all the professionals involved in both the
ramps built at the yard. “The load-out operation
simulations and in structural studies of scale models
was nothing new. Odebrecht’s technical team had
and naval operations,” says Fernando Barbosa, CEO
done it several times. But this kind of operation is
of Odebrecht Engenharia Industrial, who closely fol-
extremely delicate and requires the greatest pos-
lowed the final moments of the first stage. “The main
sible care, because we needed to ensure that the
legacy from this entire operation is that it will always
barge and the dock were at the same level through-
be part of the Organization’s experience and knowl-
out the procedure. And that is very hard to do.”
edge in its future projects, which will make us even
In this case, “delicate” can mean painstaking and
more competitive.”
slow. While the launch of P-59 lasted just 14 sec-
Based on the results of this initial effort, the use
onds, the load-out took about 15 hours, inching for-
of this new technology promises to create fresh ho-
ward to the point where, to the naked eye, the rig did
rizons for the Brazilian oil industry. “Because this
not seem to be moving at all. “It involved three years
type of barge is readily available, we will be able
of dedication to make an event like this happen in
to build floating structures in other locations. We
less than a day, and then, in less than a minute. But
now have a new launch method,” says Nilo Victor
one thing I’ve learned from Jacques and Coutinho is
de Oliveira, Petrobras’s Sectoral Manager for Jack-
this: for an operation to succeed, it takes planning
Up Platform Construction. In São Roque do Para-
and very detailed procedures. Thorough prepara-
guaçu, the construction teams are still doing their
tion for the operation is essential. The rest is the
part. Bring on P-60!
INFORMA
41
8/3/11 5:23 PM
steady
AND VERSATILE
written by RUBENY GOULART
42
photos by GERALDO PESTALOZZI
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:23 PM
The Norbe VI rig’s systems
keep it in position
over offshore oil wells in
all weathers and reduce
drilling time
Norbe VI in Rio de
Janeiro: the rig will
operate in the
pre-salt layer fields
INFORMA
43
8/3/11 5:23 PM
T
he semi-submersible drilling platform Norbe VI arrived in Brazil in
March. In the coming weeks, as soon
as drilling starts for the first oil wells
in Brazil’s pre-salt layer fields, it will
go into operation with the hallmark of innovation.
Operated by Odebrecht Oil & Gas (OOG), the drill
rig is equipped with a system known as “parallel
activity,” which substantially reduces the amount
of time spent drilling the wells and can generate
savings of up to USD 1 million per day for the client – in this case, Petrobras. Another stand-out
feature for this unit, a steel colossus that is 240-m
long and as tall as a 14-story building, is dynamic
positioning. This technology allows the drilling
unit to be positioned the over the wells under the
harshest conditions, especially strong waves and
currents.
Also used by other international oil rig operators, adapting the parallel activity system Norbe
VI was an initiative of OOG engineers Herculano
Barbosa and José Pitta, with the support of the
Dutch design and engineering firm SBM, the
same company that managed the rig’s construction. The project took four years to complete, and
the version developed in-house came in cheaper
than its international counterparts. Even so, it
Norbe VI’s parallel activity
towers: less time spent raising
and lowering drilling columns
has all the advantages of the conventional system, especially saving time and improving productivity during drilling operations. The second
tower, which is installed next to the main one, is
44
lower and allows independent management. With
Using the conventional operating system with
some adaptations, it can also be installed on con-
a single tower, it takes 40 days to reach a depth
ventional rigs.
of 5,000 meters below the surface. But paral-
Drilling an oil well is done in stages, using col-
lel activity drastically reduces that timeframe.
umns tipped with drills that can reach water depths
“You can save an average of eight days per well
of up to 10,000 m. At the end of each stage, the
drilled,” says Herculano Barbosa, based on the
drill assembly is removed so a metal tube – the lin-
experience of someone who has participated in
ing – can be lowered to protect the section drilled,
major offshore projects on rigs operated by OOG
stabilizing the well and preventing the sides from
and its predecessor, Odebrecht Perfurações
collapsing. This lining is fixed in place with cement
Ltda. (OPL). According to Herculano, it takes
paste. During the next stage, another column drills
about 12 hours to lower and remove each of the
even deeper and repeats the sequence, removing
six columns used in drilling with the conventional
the drill assembly and installing more tubes, until
system, but the twin towers cut that time almost
the final section of the well is reached. The inno-
in half. “While one column is drilling, the other is
vation on Norbe VI is reducing the time spent on
on its way down,” explains Herculano. “It saves
sequential up-and-down-column drilling.
time, money and effort.”
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:23 PM
that OOG will soon be operating. Norbe IX is expected to arrive in Brazil in July 2011.
More technologically advanced than her sisters,
Norbe VI is anchored outside Guanabara Bay, near
Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, where it is undergoing the
final phase of testing. In the coming weeks, it will
head out for the production area. This unit has accommodations for up to 140 people. Its dynamic
positioning system works with eight underwater
propellers, as well as GPS and radio positioning,
which capture satellite signals to accurately realign the rig over the wellhead.
Odebrecht invested 20% of the total required to
build Norbe VI, and the remaining 80% was raised
through project financing – financial engineering involving the contractor, builder and manager of the rig.
The contract that OOG signed with Petrobras provides
for chartering and operating the rig for 10 years.
Conceived in 2006
Norbe VI was first conceived in 2006, the year
OOG was created. A group of OOG professionals
traveled to the US city of Houston, Texas, in June
of that year to work on the engineering design. By
mid-2007, an OOG team was closely monitoring
construction of the rig.
An iconic achievement, Norbe VI marks Odebrecht’s return to drilling offshore oil wells after
a six-year absence. Until 2000, the company operated in that area through OPL, established in 1979
when Odebrecht acquired the Norbe I platform in
Designed to operate at water depths of up to
Singapore to drill off the coast of Sergipe, Brazil.
2,400 m and drilling depths of up to 9,000 m, Norbe
In the 1980s, in the wake of Petrobras’s invest-
VI is a semi-submersible rig that is self-propelled
ments in deep-water exploration, OPL acquired
and therefore does not need to be towed from one
the Norbe II, III, IV and V and Asterie rigs. By the
exploration site to another. OOG commissioned it
end of that decade, it owned one of the largest pri-
from the Dutch firm SBM, a company with global
vate fleets of offshore oil rigs in Brazil.
operations in that sector, and it was built at the
All told, OOG is investing about USD 3.5 billion
GPC Gulf Piping shipyard in Abu Dhabi, United
in its spheres of operations, including its fleet of
Arab Emirates, after carefully selecting suppliers
deep-water drilling rigs. The operations of Norbe
from several countries.
VI and Norbe VIII, in addition to delivery of Norbe
Along with Norbe VIII, another recent arrival in
IX in less than two months, will reposition OOG
Rio de Janeiro; Norbe IX, which is on its way to
as one of the largest private Brazilian operators
Brazil; ODN I and ODN II, which are in final stages
of deepwater drilling rigs. This is happening at a
of construction in South Korea, and the ODN Tay,
time when Brazil is becoming one of the world’s
OOG’s latest acquisition, Norbe VI forms part of
largest oil producing nations, which is a two-fold
a state-of-the-art fleet of deepwater drilling rigs
reason to celebrate.
INFORMA
45
8/3/11 5:23 PM
MEMORY
Built in the early 90s in
Singapore and Brazil, P-18
produced know-how that the
companies participating in the
project still use to this day
46
INFORMA
ship
ACERVO ODEBRECHT
P-18 under construction
in Singapore: almost
20 years since the signing
of the contract for the
rig’s construction
8/3/11 5:24 PM
THE LADY IS
ip shape
written by CLÁUDIO LOVATO FILHO
I
ts stature, as always, is expressed in its titles:
East Levingston Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of the Kep-
the largest semi-submersible platform in the
pel Corporation of Singapore, and one of the world’s
world at the time of construction; the first of
top builders of rigs for the oil industry.
its kind to produce oil in Brazil; the first to op-
Therefore, it is almost 20 years since the signing
erate at a water depth of one thousand feet
of the contract for the construction of P-18, the result
in that country, where it once held the record for oil
of an international tender whose bidders included a
production: 100,000 barrels per day; the focus of
Finnish contractor and another Brazilian engineer-
Petrobras’s first major international tender; the Bra-
ing and construction company, in addition to the Te-
zilian oil company’s first platform built abroad from
nenge-FELS consortium. On June 3, 2011, Arnaldo
scratch, that is, an entirely new rig, not a conver-
welcomed the co-workers with whom he shared the
sion of an existing vessel. But aside from these many
experience of living and working in Singapore in the
labels that give it a permanent place in the history
early 90s to his home in Rio de Janeiro’s Leblon dis-
of the Brazilian oil industry, P-18 was a watershed
trict. They recalled their experiences, watched home
in the history of Petrobras, Odebrecht’s operations
videos, spoke of the passing of time, their work yes-
in the offshore sector, and relations between Brazil
terday and today, and advances in technology, and
and Singapore, the country where part of the plat-
laughed when they remembered that when they were
form was built. P-18 came into the world under the
going home to rest, the company’s people in Brazil
sign of pioneer spirit to fulfill a revolutionary destiny
were just getting to work.
at the Marlim oil field in Campos Basin, off the coast
of Rio de Janeiro State.
A globally innovative project
“Much of what Petrobras is doing today in deep-wa-
“To build P-18, Petrobras studied the best avail-
ter drilling, including operations in the pre-salt layer,
able in terms of semisubmersible platform design
is down to the P-18 platform,” says Arnaldo Arcadier,
worldwide. It had experience of using these plat-
Executive Manager of Petrobas’s Fleet Modernization
forms for drilling, but not production. P-18’s design
and Expansion Program (Promef). “It was a flagship
was thus globally innovative, and, moreover, would
project due to its pioneering work and innovation, a
have to be built as an EPC (Engineering, Procure-
project that has created confidence in the progress of
ment and Construction) project, which was brand
oil exploration.” Arnaldo was the Project Manager for
new at the time, and, consequently, a challenge that
P-18. He lived in Singapore from June 1991 to April
was also a learning experience for the company,”
1993. Along with 11 Petrobras colleagues and their
says Arnaldo. Under an EPC contract, the builder is
families, he arrived in that country in the months fol-
responsible for all phases of the project, with near-
lowing the signing of the contract between Petrobras,
ly all activities concentrated at the jobsite – in this
Odebrecht (represented by Tenenge) and FELS – Far
case, the shipyard.
INFORMA
47
8/3/11 5:24 PM
Building the platform in Singapore gave Petrobras
its first experience of sharing the execution of a project with a foreign shipbuilder, FELS. It was also a first
for the Singapore company. Odebrecht’s prior familiarity with FELS and vice versa made an important
contribution to the success of their relationship, especially at the beginning. In the late 80s, the two companies had worked together in India: Odebrecht had
contracted FELS to extend the legs of fixed platform
Norbe V. It was the beginning of a relationship that
led them to form the consortium that bid for the P-18
project. Having won the tender, it was time to begin
sharing the daily life of the FELS shipyard in Singapore, which lasted almost two years until the platform
departed for Paranaguá, Brazil, where the project was
completed.
Chow, General Manager (Legal) of Keppel Offshore
& Marine, who was a major participant in the formation of the consortium between Odebrecht and
FELS. “We talked frankly, clearly establishing everyone’s responsibilities on the project. What followed
was the emergence of trust of the highest quality. I
established friendships with Brazilians from Petrobras and Odebrecht that I maintain to this day. All
of us, people from FELS, Petrobras and Odebrecht,
48
JÔNIO MACHADO / PETROBRAS IMAGE BANK
“We put all our concerns on the table,” recalls Jeff
bonded and became a family, and that was essential
equipment in Singapore and the hook-up operation
to achieving our common goals the way they were
in Paranaguá were challenges we overcame, most of
achieved,” he adds.
all through a good working environment and the feel-
Jeff Chow’s statements are key to getting a good
ing that we were all on the same team.” The hook-up
idea of what happened in Singapore and Brazil during
stage is the completion of the platform, including the
the P-18 project. All three companies were experienc-
installation of processing modules and piping, wiring,
ing challenges that were entirely new to them (and in
assembly of instruments, the security system and ac-
some cases, to the world) while working on a project
commodations.
that would become a benchmark for the oil industry.
“P-18 was a milestone for us,” says Choo Chiau
Unity, cohesion and synergy reflected their common
Beng, CEO of the Keppel Corporation and Chairman of
focus.
Keppel Offshore & Marine. “It was our first project for
“Personal relationships are the first and main key
Petrobras. It was a tremendous learning experience
to opening doors,” says Wai Seng Yeong of FELS, who
for us, and we put our best team on the project. As a
was the Engineering Manager on the P-18 project and
builder of semisubmersible drill rigs and accommo-
is currently Vice President Special Projects at Keppel
dations, Keppel FELS could contribute its expertise to
Offshore & Marine. Wai Seng lived in Rio de Janeiro
building a platform like P-18 on time with the requisite
for two years. “Everything was new for us,” he recalls.
quality. The unity of the Odebrecht, Keppel FELS and
“We had an excellent design from Petrobras, really
Petrobras teams, acting with cohesion, synergy and
sophisticated. There was a record to beat – 100,000
friendship, led to the success of that project.” He adds:
barrels per day. We had to understand each other very
“Without a doubt, P-18 brought Brazil and Singapore
well. The construction of the hull and installation of
much closer together.”
INFORMA
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:24 PM
and their families went to Singapore to work on that
project.
Fernando points out that FELS had never built a production platform before – just drill rigs. The construction
of a production platform is much more complex. It is an
industrial unit designed to operate in high seas. P-18 became the largest floating oil production plant in the world.
The know-how that Odebrecht and Petrobras teams
gained regarding this type of structure was an important
factor. “P-18 was a major source of learnings for everyone,” says Fernando, adding: “In those days, Odebrecht
was focused on the ‘Brazilian content,’ which led to the
decision to build part of the project in Singapore and complete it in Brazil, at the Paranaguá yard.”
After the P-18 experience, he returned to Singapore and lived there for over a year and a half, this time
as an Odebrecht DPA (Country Director). “I matured
a lot professionally in Singapore. It was a pleasure to
spend four years there.”
Arnaldo Arcadier feels much the same way. “We developed some procedures in Singapore that Petrobras
The platform operating today
in the Marlim Field in the Santos
Basin: a leading role in recordbreaking production
has consolidated and still uses today, especially with regard to project management.” In his office in the Petrobras building on Presidente Vargas Avenue in downtown
Rio de Janeiro, he says, with a reflective tone: “P-18
gave a major boost to Petrobras’s oil production proj-
World’s largest floating oil
production plant
ects. When I joined the company in 1978, we produced a
Odebrecht’s team in Singapore was led by Project
has produced as much as 100,000 barrels per day.”
total of 160,000 barrels per day. Since 1994, P-18 alone
Manager Fernando Barbosa, now CEO of Odebrecht
The work done in Singapore went on from June
Engenharia Industrial. Fernando was 35 when he
1991 to April 1993, when the platform was shipped out
undertook responsibility for leading the project. The
to Paranaguá. The voyage was made possible by a so-
young professional had a 36,000-tonne challenge on
phisticated transportation system known as dry-tow: the
his hands that would represent a decisive step toward
Transhelf, registered under the Russian flag and owned
achieving much-desired oil self-sufficiency for Bra-
by the Wjsmuller company, was partially submerged so
zil. Fernando, who joined the Organization in 1985
the platform could be floated onto its deck. The voyage to
and had previously participated in offshore projects in
Brazil lasted 34 days.
Bahia for another company and later for Odebrecht,
In the Paranaguá Basin, the dry-tow operation was
first went to Singapore in February 1990. He spent
performed in reverse before tugboats pulled P-18 to the
two and a half years there and one year in Paranaguá.
dock. In March 1994, P-18 arrived in the Campos Ba-
Regarding the time he worked in the Southeast Asian
sin. On June 15, it got “first oil.” By January 1997 it had
city-state, he recalls: “There was an 11-hour differ-
reached the milestone of 100,000 barrels/day. Currently,
ence in the time zone and no Internet, only faxes! It
it produces 30,000 barrels per day. Unable to hide the
was an extraordinary experience. Forming a team and
emotion in his words, Arnaldo Arcadier explains: “The
a culture of procedures to run an innovative project,
life of a platform like P-18 is 25 years. After 17 years of
and living in the East was impressive and inspiring.”
oil production in rough seas, we can say that she is now
In addition to Fernando, nine Odebrecht members
a mature lady.”
INFORMA
49
8/3/11 5:24 PM
Bio-revolut
written by GUILHERME OLIVEIRA
T
photos by BRUNA ROMARO
he first sugarcane seedlings arrived in
speed and quality using new cane varieties, transgenic
Brazil in 1533, introduced by the Portu-
or not, that are better adapted to different types of soils
guese. Its choice of that unpretentious
and drought and pest resistant, with higher sugar and
crop was due to Portugal’s need to oc-
fiber content,” explains Calmanovici. In the industrial
cupy the newly discovered territory. To-
area, one priority for researchers is pursuit of higher
day, Brazil is the second-largest producer of ethanol and
yields through the fermentation process.
the number-one sugar producer, using the Portuguese
“experiment” as raw material. The ethanol and sugar
Industrial identity
industry provides direct employment opportunities for
In the next decade, new applications for ethanol
more than a million people with a turnover of BRL 50
and the next generations of biodiesel will already be
billion per year.
a reality. “The plans in the pipeline are confidential,
However, the next bioenergy revolutions will not take
but we can say that we are constantly seeking syner-
so long. “Investment in technology will be a major com-
gies with other Odebrecht companies, and ETH will
petitive advantage in the coming years,” said Carlos
play an important role in this sector by 2020,” says
Calmanovici, the ETH Bioenergy officer Responsible for
Calmanovici.
Innovation and Technology, an area connected directly
Despite the “strategic secrecy” about the compa-
to the company’s CEO. “Technology advances at an in-
ny’s plans, the path to achieving excellence is simple:
credible speed, so there are numerous opportunities
partnering up with the leading knowledge producers
out there.”
in Brazil. Today, ETH has agreements in place to de-
Development opportunities can be found through-
velop new technologies in partnership with academic
out the ethanol and biomass electricity production pro-
institutions such as the Federal University at São Car-
cess, with results expected in both the short and long
los (UFSCar) and the State University at Campinas
term. “We will generate biomass energy with more
(Unicamp), among others.
Unicamp Professor
Gonçalo Pereira: the
industry is looking
to the future
50
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:24 PM
utions
Technology investments
will be the ethanol and sugar
industry’s main competitive
edge in coming years
Professor Gonçalo Pereira, Head of the Department of Genetics, Evolution and Biogenetics at Unicamp, is in charge of the partnership project with
ETH. He explains the focus of the study: “The transformation of sugar into alcohol is done with natural
wild yeast. We are studying its genetic structure to
produce industrial types of yeast, which obtain higher
productivity in the conversion process.”
He observes that academia has the knowledge,
but it is ETH that is making innovations. “The attitude
of being constantly dissatisfied with the technologies
available and looking to the future is unprecedented
in this sector, and ETH is at the forefront of that drive.
It is a young company that makes innovation a pillar
of its operations.”
Gonçalo Pereira predicts that the company and
academia will have a successful relationship. “Universities are on the lookout for partnerships like these.
Brazil has a culture of using money to do science.
In this win-win scenario, we’ll use science to make
money.” ETH’s Calmanovici agrees: “We see a lot of
expertise in academia and need to maximize the use
of that knowledge to add value to our products. ETH’s
growth target is ambitious, and overcoming that challenge depends on the proper use of new technologies
with support from our partners. The ability to innovate
is the path to leadership.”
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:24 PM
A DREAM COMES T
surface
Worker at the
UFEM construction
site, part of the
project underway
in Itaguái: a bold
and decisive step
for the Brazilian Navy
52
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:24 PM
S TO THE
e
Brazil starts fulfilling
a long-held plan: building
submarines, including
a nuclear-powered sub
A
fter over 30 years, the dream is finally coming
true. In the near future, Brazil will have its first
nuclear-powered submarine. It will be built in
Brazil through the Brazilian Navy’s Submarine Development – Shipyard and Naval Base
Program (Prosub-EBN). Having a nuclear submarine will bolster the Navy’s operations in deep waters far from shore. It will
also mark Brazil’s entry into the select group of countries that
have the technology, which currently includes the United States,
France, Britain, Russia and China.
For this reason, Brazil signed technology transfer agreements with France in 2008 that enabled the start of construction
of a shipyard, a naval base, four conventional Scorpene subma-
written by EDILSON LIMA
photos by ANDRÉ VALENTIM
rines and a nuclear-powered sub. The French state-owned firm
DCNS (Direction des Constructions Navales et Services) is responsible for overseeing the process of transferring the technology to the Brazilian Navy and Odebrecht.
Choosing French technology
Traditionally, the countries that have nuclear submarines
developed their designs on the basis of several stages of the development of their conventional submarines. Many took years to
develop that technology. Today, just two countries produce both
conventional and nuclear subs: France and Russia. The Brazilian Navy visited both countries, studied their designs, surveyed
their clients worldwide, and concluded that France was the
most solid partner for Brazil.
In the first place, this is because France was willing to transfer technology for both the design of a nuclear-powered submarine – in this case, internal structures and systems (except
for the nuclear reactor, which was developed by the Navy itself)
– and conventional Scorpene subs.
In the second place, the conventional Scorpene sub is different from other conventional models because it includes
security concepts similar to those used in its nuclear counterpart (such as sensor, combat and motor cooling systems,
etc.). This is because the design is derived from the Rubis/Amethyste, another French nuclear submarine. Brazil’s participation in the construction of the first the four Scorpene submarines will begin in 2011. That vessel will be completed by 2015.
Training in France and Brazil
At the moment, Odebrecht Infraestrutura and Odebrecht
Engenharia Industrial teams are hard at work at the jobsite in
Itaguaí, Rio de Janeiro, building the Metal Structures Manufacturing Units (UFEM), where the metal parts of the submarines
will be made – that is, sections of the hull and internal struc-
INFORMA
53
8/3/11 5:24 PM
Dredging
Sepetiba Bay:
environmental
preservation
tures – as well as the Shipyard and Naval Base (EBN).
Shipbuilding industry gains steam
Expectations are that the UFEM will open in 2012, and
The relationship between Brazil and submarines
the EBN should be up and running by 2015. The sub-
and their technology dates back to the early 20th cen-
marines will be built in stages during the second part
tury, when the country acquired its first conventional
of the program. The final unit will be delivered by 2025,
sub. But it was only in 1993 that it launched the first
when the nuclear-powered submarine will go into op-
submarine built on Brazilian soil, at the Naval Arsenal
eration. Odebrecht will participate in the construction
in Rio de Janeiro: the S Tamoio (S-31), using German
of the subs through Itaguaí Construções Navais, a joint
technology. That step marked the beginning of the na-
venture with DCNS.
tion’s pursuit of technological independence. In 1979,
Members of the Brazilian Navy and Odebrecht
receive training from the DCNS team in France and
the Navy Nuclear Program (PNM) was created to develop a Brazilian nuclear submarine.
Brazil. In the case of the EBN, knowledge is trans-
Despite making important advances in nuclear propul-
ferred through the Technical Information Package,
sion, the PNM suffered doldrums, particularly in the 1990s.
which comes from France and is delivered to the Navy
Then, in early 2000, the Brazilian Government decided to
and then to Odebrecht, following the Navy’s analysis
invest in the shipbuilding industry and encourage the par-
and approval. The information is absorbed and ap-
ticipation of the private sector to give it a boost and gen-
plied to the basic and detailed design. “The lessons
erate work opportunities. Those incentives were further
learned from this project will make Odebrecht the
bolstered by the discovery of oil in the pre-salt layer. About
first Brazilian company with the know-how to design
90% of the country’s exports and imports pass through ap-
and build shipyards for conventional and nuclear
proximately 560 km of its coastline. The Navy is responsible
submarines,” says the Director Responsible for the
for protecting that area. In this context, the need emerged
Shipyard and Naval Base, Fabio Gandolfo, from Ode-
to reinvest in building submarines, because the Navy’s cur-
brecht Infraestrutura.
rent fleet only includes five units.
The French state-owned firm’s choice of Ode-
According to Admiral Alan Arthou, who is directing the
brecht as a partner was based on the Organiza-
Shipyard and Naval Base project for the Navy, joining the
tion’s expertise in major projects, including nuclear
group of countries that own the technology to build nucle-
technology (the Angra dos Reis power plants in Rio
ar submarines is a source of national pride: “Prosub will
de Janeiro State), and its operations in the offshore
mean that Brazil has achieved technological independence
market, including construction of several oil rigs in
in the field of shipbuilding and nuclear submarines. This
Brazil and other countries. “DCNS saw Odebrecht
will be good for the Navy and for businesses because of the
as a Brazilian company with the characteristics
technological expertise it will bring, as well as enabling us
needed to absorb the French technology and carry
to defend our national sovereignty.”
out the Prosub program,” says Fernando Barbosa,
CEO of Odebrecht Engenharia Industrial, the company responsible for building the conventional and
nuclear subs.
54
Dredging Sepetiba Bay
A dredging operation is underway to remove soft
soil from the bottom of Sepetiba Bay to make the
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:24 PM
area ready for construction and lay the foundations
using Geotube® bags, which are 65 m long, 18 m
for the structures included in the EBN project. Af-
wide and 2.4 m high.
ter that operation is completed, rockfill containment
The bags are placed in the Chemical Contaminants
walls will be built to reclaim land from the sea. Then,
Decanting Unit (UDCQ) in a specially built basin, 13 m
the wharf, piers, industrial and administrative facili-
deep, 255 m long and 130 m wide, fully protected by an
ties and other supplementary units will be built.
HDPE (high-density polyethylene) lining and a layer of
The Shipyard and the Naval Base will face each
gravel. The process goes like this: the dredged mate-
another, like two arms reaching out to sea on the
rial is suctioned and discharged from the seabed and
shores of Sepetiba Bay. Those arms will encom-
pumped via a pipeline onto the shore, where it goes
pass the Dársena (submarine berthing areas on
through a treatment unit. To start out the treatment
both sides that will provide access to two dry-docks,
process, a polymer is injected through ionization in or-
which are included in the project for submarine
der to “flocculate” the dredged material and allow it to
maintenance and fuel replacement), the harbor ba-
be filtered. Then the material will go through a pipeline
sin and the access channel, areas where the sub-
and be released into the bags.
marines will maneuver to enter the EBN’s facilities.
All these areas will have a 12-meter draft.
“These bags retain heavy metals, allowing the
treated effluent to pour through the fabric so it can
Based on previous studies, the materials to be
return to the sea free of contaminants,” says Sérgio
removed during dredging will include pockets of
Pinheiro, Odebrecht’s Director for Maritime Projects.
sediments contaminated with heavy metals (cad-
Finally, the bags will be covered with a layer of soil for
mium, nickel, lead and zinc), resulting from years
protection to prevent contaminants from polluting the
of pollution by factories previously installed there
environment.
that have been shut down. All told, these pockets
The Prosub-EBN project will also make an impor-
amount to 300,000 cu.m. The materials that are
tant contribution to the professional education of local
not chemically contaminated will be dredged and
workers. Currently, 3,000 people are working on the
dumped in the sea in a site authorized by IBAMA
construction project. More than 2,000 people will have
(the Brazilian environmental agency) outside of
learned new job skills through the Ongoing Professional
Sepetiba Bay, 56 km from the construction site. In
Education Program – Acreditar (Believe) by the time the
the case of contaminated materials, the solution is
Shipyard and Naval Base are completed in 2015.
INFORMA
55
8/3/11 5:24 PM
INNOVATIVELY
healt
written by JOSÉ ENRIQUE BARREIRO
The Organization’s
medics talk about health
and technology
The impact of technology on
performance in medicine
For Gilberto, Mayanse and Sebastião, improving life
expectancy and reduced health damage are partly due to
the use of new technologies, including vaccines and antibiotics. Life expectancy worldwide has risen from 76.4
years in 1980 to 81.01 in 2010. Humanity is well on its way
to 100-year lifespans. Therefore, innovations in health are
welcome, and improve the performance of medicine.
New technologies and increased
health care costs
The three doctors mentioned some procedures that
Sebastião Loureiro (left) and Gilberto Ururahy
have a high impact on the cost of medical care, including diagnostic imaging and tests, prostheses that replace
or enhance body parts, and implants to restore biological
functions. The central issue for them is striking a balance
t the invitation of Odebrecht Informa,
between demand and consumption, avoiding indiscrimi-
three of the Organization’s medics –
nate and excessive spending. In 1999, the world spent
Gilberto Ururahy, Mayanse Boulos
USD 473 per person/year on health care; in 2010, that
and Sebastião Loureiro – got togeth-
figure rose to USD 771. However, technology is producing
er to answer questions about innova-
medicine, equipment and diagnoses that are more accu-
tion and technology in the field of health. For them,
rate and less invasive, and because of that, health profes-
technology is welcome, but must always be used
sionals must continuously update their knowledge.
A
appropriately. The focus should be on health promotion, disease prevention and early diagnosis, helping
their clients live a long, independent life. This strategy reduces the risks of disease and, consequently,
the costs of health care and hospitalizations. Here is
what they think about various subjects and the main
challenges the Odebrecht Organization is facing in the
field of Health.
56
8/3/11 5:24 PM
lthy
Mayanse Boulos
Alternatives to the high cost of
health care
doctors can speed up the exchange of information, in-
Gilberto, Mayanse and Sebastião recommend preven-
online for strategic members whose health data is on
tive care, which, although little explored and undervalued,
file so it can be analyzed by medical support teams
can have effective results and be less costly for people,
wherever the company member may be.
teracting with partners and providing medical records
businesses and society. They believe the focus should
agnosis. This strategy reduces the risks of disease and,
Main health care challenges for the
Odebrecht Organization
consequently, the costs of treatment and hospitalization.
The main challenge, they say, is increasingly con-
be on health promotion, disease prevention and early di-
solidating the entire Organization with its Health, Work-
The issue of health in the business
world
place Safety and Environment teams. We must also
make progress in harmonizing the decentralization of
The three Odebrecht medics understand that the
operations with the need for consolidated health care
business world is experiencing the same situation as
information in order to reuse acquired knowledge, gain
society in general: the predominant view of medicine is
more flexibility in the treatment of diseases and lower
based on technological innovations in equipment and low
costs. As a result, the more than 100 physicians at Ode-
investment in disease prevention and health promotion
brecht will be better able to coordinate the care of the
incentives, information and practices. To change that,
Organization’s 140,000 members.
companies must get to know the health profiles of their
to health services and technologies to establish risk
Message to young doctors joining
the Organization
groups and focus preventive care and health promotion
Actively manage your client’s health. Get to know them
on those individuals in order to reduce damage to their
thoroughly. Always focus on prevention. Do everything you
health. A prevention program should include information
can to prevent your patient from getting sick. Chronic dis-
and incentives to induce them to change their habits. It
eases such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity, which
should also establish goals and biological indicators for
originate from poor lifestyle choices, cause tremendous
satisfaction, cost assessment and accident reduction.
suffering in the long term and have a very high cost for
members and their consumption habits when it comes
society. A disease is a signal that must be interpreted and
Health care innovation and
technology at Odebrecht
understood before it is fought. Gain a thorough mastery
The doctors explain that the focus of the Odebrecht
keep up to date. Culture is the biggest barrier in the glo-
Health Policy is on health promotion and disease pre-
balized world. Remember what Mr. Norberto Odebrecht
vention. Because of that, they take into consideration
says: “People are the beginning and end of all activities in
the member’s lifestyle, family history and the environ-
society, and their work is the primary means of ensuring
ment in which they are located. When a health problem
the survival, growth and perpetuity of the species. Health
arises, they take an active role in the management of
is the basis for their full development.” Theoretically, we
the patient’s health using the technologies available.
are born healthy, but sometimes we neglect our health, a
Those technologies include the Internet, through which
delicate matter and our greatest asset.
of your business, engage in networking in your area, and
INFORMA
57
8/3/11 5:25 PM
58
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:25 PM
FAIRER
TIMES AND
DAYS OF MORE
prosperity
In the Southern
Bahia Lowlands in
Northeastern Brazil,
cooperatives ensure
better incomes for
small family farmers
written by GABRIELA VASCONCELLOS
photos by BEG FIGUEIREDO
Balbino dos Santos
with his children on
the family farm: direct
link with conscious
consumers
INFORMA
59
8/3/11 5:25 PM
F
armer Balbino Santos, 55, and his fam-
As a result, the community got organized and decided
ily have put down roots on the same land
to cut out the middleman, selling their produce directly
where his father and grandfather lived. He
to major retail chains. The price of cassava quadrupled.
has always wanted to stay in the country-
Balbino remembers it well. “Now we have the right
side, and that desire has grown along with
outlets for our production. We don’t lose our crops and
his community’s development. Planted on his 8-hect-
there’s no downside,” he says. Thanks to the cooperative,
are farm, Balbino’s crops – bitter and sweet cassava,
producers now have access to farming methods that en-
pineapples and plantains – now have a guaranteed
sure higher quality and productivity: the average harvest
outlet: the Presidente Tancredo Neves Rural Produc-
has risen from 9 tonnes to 21 tonnes of cassava per hect-
ers Cooperative (Coopatan), located in the Southern
are, a figure that reaches up to 68 t/ha on some farms.
Bahia Lowlands. This hasn’t always been the case.
Part of the Cassava Cooperative Alliance – which
“Life’s been hard. The buyers used to set the price –
includes a cassava flour mill, Presidente Tancredo
when we had any buyers,” says the farmer, a resident
Neves Rural Family House (CFR-PTN), social partners
of Riachão da Serra county in Valença, Bahia.
and conscious consumers – Coopatan is changing the
Balbino and his wife and children belong to the
lives of 187 families. Recently, its members also started
Cassava Cooperative Alliance. According to this
selling fruits and vegetables, which has given a further
model, farmers are organized in cooperatives that
boost to the producers’ incomes.
use the services of a processing plant – which gives
“We are helping ensure that people stay in the
products more value added – and merchants, who
countryside and enjoy quality of life. Even small
make room for them on their shelves in the spirit
farmers can earn an income compatible with their
of partnership and solidarity. This creates a direct
needs and become the protagonists of their own de-
link with conscious consumers, ensuring that family
velopment,” says Fábio Sento Sé, Social Responsi-
farmers always get a fair price for their produce. The
bility Manager at GBarbosa (Brazil’s fourth-largest
contributions of all the actors involved help strength-
supermarket chain) and Director of the GBarbosa
en this win-win game. In this case, Rural Family
Institute. In addition to marketing the cooperative’s
Houses also provide education, which is an integral
products, this social partner has chosen to use Coo-
and essential part of grooming the next generation of
patan’s cassava flour as its own brand. Coopatan’s
cooperative members.
partners also include Walmart, Pão de Açúcar and
The Cooperative Alliance’s innovative model is
Empresa Baiana de Alimentos (EBAL).
helping change lives in the Southern Bahia Lowlands
60
– a micro-region in Northeastern Brazil formed by 11
Synergy
counties that are home to more than 285,000 people.
Acting in line with Coopatan, the CFR-PTN seeks
The Odebrecht Foundation has introduced the con-
to provide high-quality professional education to young
cept there and supports the Program for the Inte-
people, encouraging them to stay in the countryside
grated and Sustainable Development of the Mosaic
and work on their family farms. The method used is
of Environmental Protection Areas in the Southern
the Pedagogy of Alternation, which allows students to
Bahia Lowlands (PDIS). This social technology was
spend a week at the school as boarders, with lessons in
created to foster productive inclusion, eradicate pov-
the classroom and in the field, and two weeks on their
erty and reduce inequalities.
properties to apply what they have learned. Beneficia-
“Between 1998 and 1999, cassava farmers were
ries of the institution who have completed three years of
experiencing a crisis in Presidente Tancredo Neves
schooling receive a high school diploma and a technical
and the surrounding area. At that time, a kilo of cas-
certificate in Agriculture.
sava sold for three to five cents. It wasn’t profitable
Cooperative members go to the Family House once
and didn’t bring in a fair income,” recalls Juscelino
a week, taking part in classes and encouraging stu-
Macedo, the current leader of the Cassava Coopera-
dents to join their ranks. Currently, four Coopatan
tive Alliance and one of the people who helped create
technicians are CFR-PTN alumni and 13 youths have
Coopatan 11 years ago.
joined the cooperative.
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:25 PM
Cassava flour factory: one of
the highlights of the Cassava
Cooperative Alliance
of mind is having my family here with
Balbino’s children are also actively tak-
me on the farm.”
ing part in the CFR-PTN. Abinael dos Santos, 17, graduated in 2010 and now works
in the school’s financial department. “This
The path to sustainability
is another learning experience for me. I
Balbino’s family is on its way to a
want to buy a bigger property and make
future that is already the present for
it sustainable,” says the young man, who
farmer Genival de Melo, 39. This rural
divides his time between that experience
producer is also a Coopatan member,
and farm work.
and he is celebrating a major achieve-
Balbino’s youngest child, Ubiratam dos
ment. “Used to be, I had no place to
Santos, 15, used to think about taking off
live. I got married and went to live with
for the big city. However, his big brother’s example
my mother-in-law. Today we’ve managed to build our
not only made him give up that idea but made him
own home. We bought a new car, got a truck and are
fall in love with farming. He has followed in Abinael’s
buying another piece of land,” says the resident of the
footsteps and now studies at the CFR-PTN. “Ten
Ouro Preto community, in Presidente Tancredo Neves.
years from now I’ll have my own farm, producing
Like Balbino, Genival has been a cooperative mem-
high-yield crops as a member of Coopatan,” says
ber since Coopatan’s inception. “Anybody who left
Ubiratam.
here around that time and came back today wouldn’t
Abinael and Ubiratam are transferring all the
recognize the place. You couldn’t make a living in the
knowledge they have acquired in practical and theo-
countryside back then. I thought about leaving lots of
retical classes at the CFR-PTN to their family farm.
times, but I believed in farming,” he says.
Balbino stresses that these new methods are mak-
Five more cooperative alliances are also helping
ing their farm more productive. “When they go home,
transform the Southern Bahia Lowlands: Piassava
they talk about what they studied that week, and we
Straw, Hearts-of-Palm, Fish Farming, Construction
go out into the fields to see what we’re doing wrong.
and Starch. Together, they are contributing to the
Today we can see that it’s made a difference,” says
sustainable development of over a thousand fami-
their father. Antonia dos Santos, Balbino’s wife and
lies. “I’m proud to say that, nowadays, folks who live
the young men’s mother, wants to see her children
in the countryside have a good life,” emphasizes
fulfill their dreams and ambitions. “For me, peace
Genival.
INFORMA
61
61
8/3/11 5:25 PM
ARGUMENT
ACHIEVEMENTS
FOR BRAZIL
Joint efforts focused
on innovation will
help drive the
nation’s growth
62
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:25 PM
S
preading the culture of innovation is an
The company’s Corporate Innovation and Tech-
important way of adding value to com-
nology area has begun a systematic assessment of
panies’ products and services, making
opportunities for diversification in areas that syner-
them more competitive. But innovation
gize with Braskem’s current businesses. It is keep-
does not just happen when developing
ing a close eye on the situation of intellectual prop-
new products and processes. It’s everywhere.
The drive to innovate is linked to the need to create new procedures that will make an activity more
erty in areas of interest, harmonizing best practices
in innovation at the corporate unit and business
units and actively managing knowledge.
competitive, profitable and attractive to clients, and
Projects currently in the pipeline include renew-
it is most intense when people take charge of their
able raw materials, catalysts and production pro-
businesses with a strong sense of ownership.
cesses for plastic resins developed with proprietary
Created in 2002, Braskem has inherited a wide
technology that will drive Braskem’s autonomous
range of assets used for technological development.
growth at a lower cost, without interference from
According to the concept of the time, they originally
technology suppliers. Expectations are that these
focused on providing technical assistance, improv-
projects will start coming to fruition in 2013.
ing processes acquired from third parties, enhanc-
In its corporate area and business units, Braskem
ing products, customizing products for the Brazilian
has more than 420 patents filed, 300 researchers,
market and developing markets in conjunction with
two units of the Center for Innovation and Technol-
clients.
ogy (in Triunfo, RS, in Brazil, and Pittsburgh, PA, in
These assets, which include pilot plants, lab fa-
the USA), a laboratory at the LNBio (National Bio-
cilities, R&D (Research & Development) teams and
technology Laboratory) in Campinas, São Paulo,
activities related to the process of innovation man-
linked to the Brazilian MCT (Ministry of Science and
agement, have garnered recognition from the mar-
Technology), and a pilot plant for the manufacture of
ket and research funding agencies and have been
high-performance fiber in Bahia, totaling USD 400
used as an example to encourage other companies
million in assets.
to invest in innovation and technology.
Located in Bahia, the pilot plant for high molecu-
Keenly aware of the importance of innovation
lar-weight polyethylene fiber will make it possible to
and technology to national development, improv-
generate new solutions for the exploration of the pre-
ing income distribution and the competitiveness of
salt oil fields and anchoring of deep-water platforms.
our exports, the Brazilian Government, based on
It is also important for the area of defense (used to
Law no. 11,196 of 2005 (the “good law”) has begun
make armored vehicles and helmets) and the manu-
granting tax breaks to innovative companies, and
facture of special clothing, fishing lines, safety gloves
this issue has since become an integral part of the
and auxiliary sails for oil ships, used to save fuel.
national agenda.
All these results, which are down to the combined
In 2008, Braskem decided to expand the strate-
efforts of the private sector, academia, research cen-
gic focus of its research and development model
ters and government, are the achievements of Bra-
from fast follower to developer of original ideas. To
zil and Brazilians. They will help drive our country’s
do so, we created a Corporate Innovation and Tech-
economic growth and boost the wellbeing of the Bra-
nology area focused on medium- and long-term
zilian people.
development.
A movement led by the CNI (National Confederation of Industry) in 2009 launched the MEI (Business Movement for Innovation), involving the top
companies operating in Brazil. This forum holds
regular meetings to discuss the national agenda for innovation, with the active participation of
Braskem.
Luis Fernando
Cassinelli
is Responsible for Research &
Development at Braskem
INFORMA
63
8/3/11 5:25 PM
64
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:25 PM
&
NEWS
PEOPLE
Reports about the recent achievements
of the Odebrecht Organization’s teams
in Brazil and worldwide, and features
on the daily lives of our subsidiaries’
members
OOG and DSME shipyard members celebrate workplace
safety record in South Korea
68
Construction of the Chaglla hydroelectric plant reflects
the power of Peruvian investments in energy generation
70
Jairo Brito recalls the people who have shaped his way of
working and seeing the world
72
Ruta del Sol, in Colombia, is one of the most important
infrastructure projects built in Latin America in recent years
76
A program underway in Peru is based on the concept of
alternate practices
77
Folks: the interests and achievements of Wilson Lozano,
Camila Guerbas and Carlos Gabos
78
Antonio Cardilli’s video interview launches the
Savvy – Folks who’ve Learned from Work and Life project
PHOTO:
MARCELO PIZZATO
66
Ruta del Sol
concession company
member at a toll
plaza in Colombia
INFORMA
65
8/3/11 5:25 PM
SAFETY
A certain feeling
Harsh weather conditions and high risks don’t
stop teams at a shipyard in South Korea from
setting a zero-accident safety record
written by RUBENY GOULART
A
pril 18 was a red-letter day at
DSME – was the starting point for
the DSME shipyard in South
ensuring the workplace safety lev-
Korea, where the Norbe VIII
els achieved so far. Accidents also
and Norbe IX drill ships were built,
happen due to lack of planning,
and work continues on two other
so the leaders of OOG and DSME
drilling rigs, ODN I and ODN II. On
got together to formulate a plan in
that date, the teams building those
which they agreed to pay periodic
rigs celebrated eight million man/
visits to the yard to inspect the fa-
hours worked between January 2010
cilities and working conditions.
and April of this year without a sin-
They agreed that no violation of the
gle lost-time accident. This means
rules would be tolerated, and de-
that during that period, all the 2,500
viations would be immediately cor-
shipyard workers performed their
rected. “The next step was to share
tasks with absolute safety, working
our obsession with safety with the
12 hours a day without harming their
workers,” says Mathias, who joined
health or productivity. “This victorious milestone is a win for everyone,
but it was only made possible by the
unity of all the companies participating in these projects, who ensured
strict compliance with safety standards,” says OOG Project Director
Pedro Mathias.
A consensus on that issue among
the over 10 companies participating
in the project – a joint venture led
by Odebrecht Oil & Gas (OOG) and
IINFORMA
IN
INF
NF
N
FORM
OR
OR
RM
MA
8/3/11 5:25 PM
CBPO as an intern in 1981, and
nies’ caps and shirts, and even res-
they realized that the safety require-
worked at Odebrecht Perfurações
taurant coupons so they could dine
ments ensured that everyone was
Ltda. (OPL) until 1997. He returned
out with their families.
protected,” explains Mathias.
in 2009 to join the Odebrecht Organi-
To influence the workers, the
The role of
communication
group of leaders relied on various
companies’ leaders spread the cul-
The leaders of OOG and the
Any anomalies that presented risks,
ture of safety throughout the work-
shipyard realized that, to prevent
from a bare wire to oil spilled on the
place. Whenever a new stage of work
accidents, they needed an efficient
floor, was photographed for educa-
began, production was halted for an
communication system that went
tional purposes and posted on the
hour-long meeting with the work-
beyond giving lectures and putting
factory’s bulletin boards. “Pictures
ers, who attended talks on safety
up posters throughout the manu-
send a powerful message,” said
and received explanatory materials
facturing area. To this end, they
Mathias, who has been in Korea
on accident prevention. Other sim-
formed a group of leaders whose
since 2009 and oversees all of OOG’s
ple but highly symbolic initiatives
main job was to disseminate safety
projects at the DSME yard.
rewarded the people who showed
rules and culture among the work-
The milestone of 8 million man/
outstanding compliance with safety
ers. However, the language barrier
hours worked without a single lost-
standards and, accordingly, exer-
was a major challenge. The leaders
time accident is even more signifi-
cised leadership in relation to their
spoke in English, which was trans-
cant considering the risks inherent
peers. In gestures highly valued in
lated into Korean, but at first, be-
to operating a shipyard. What’s
Asian culture, the company’s lead-
cause of differences that were more
more, at the peak of the projects,
ers publicly presented the workers
cultural than linguistic, the mes-
DSME worked with more than 800
with gifts, certificates, their compa-
sage was slightly garbled. Thanks
people, often in adverse condi-
to the leaders’ missionary zeal,
tions, exposed to rain, snow and
that obstacle was eventually over-
wind. Worker turnover was another
come. “We made it very clear that
challenge, as many profession-
our goal was not to build ships at
als joining the workforce had to be
the expense of hurting people, and
trained in accident prevention from
zation through OOG.
Working on the same page, the
Drill ship Norbe IX
in South Korea: a
central role in setting
a workplace safety
record
tools. One of them was cameras.
scratch.
In an environment like that, even
the slightest precaution makes all
the difference. The drill ships average 240 m in length and 107 m in
height, from the keel to the top of
the tower, which is equivalent to a
26-story building. Many workers
operate in tight spaces where the
air is thin, and in high temperatures
caused by hot welding, which is
widely used, not to mention that they
are constantly exposed to flammable
liquids like paints and solvents. Dangers exist, but the OOG and DSME
teams have proved that achieving the
mark of 8 million man/hours was, in
itself, a well-deserved reward for everyone.
INFORMA
67
8/3/11 5:25 PM
PERU
The river
brings the future
F
The Chaglla hydroelectric plant will
give a key boost to energy generation in
Peru and transform a region with major
growth potential
rom Wednesdays to Sundays,
the fountains in the city of Lima’s
Parque de las Aguas put on a
sparkling light show. A few miles away,
in Larcomar, Peruvians and tourists
written by JÚLIO CÉSAR SOARES photos by GUILHERME AFONSO
stroll along the well-lit beachfront boulevard. “The country has 6,300 MW of
installed power. If we continue to grow
like we have in recent years, we will need
more than 12,000 MW by 2020,” says Erlon Arfelli, President of Empresa Generadora Huallaga (EGH), a subsidiary of
Odebrecht Energia.
EGH is responsible for the concession for the Chaglla hydroelectric
plant, which is under construction in
the Department of Huanuco, 420 km
from Lima. This is the first time that
Odebrecht has participated in a power concession outside of Brazil. As in
1979, when the Organization won its
first contract outside Brazil, for the
Charcani V hydroelectric plant, also
in Peru, this challenge is an important milestone. “We will change our
profile in this country, running the
entire supply chain, and it has been
a gratifying experience,” says Erlon.
The “entire supply chain” means that
Odebrecht Peru is also responsible
for building the plant, a USD 1.2-billion project that will add 406 MW to
the national system when completed
by 2015.
Chaglla hydroelectric plant
construction site and, opposite, a local
merchant: fresh expectations
for residents of a once-isolated region
68
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:25 PM
Chaglla will be built in a densely forested area in the Peruvian Amazon. “In
2011, we are building the infrastructure
for the project,” says Project Director
Sergio Panicali. That stage of the project involves building 40 km of roads on
the left bank of the Huallaga River, in
addition to rehabilitating the dirt road
that already runs along the right bank.
The plant’s design is different from
conventional hydros. The powerhouse,
which is usually located near the dam,
will be built 15 km away. “To get the
water to the plant so it can generate
power, we will build a tunnel that will
pleasant spot for tourists to visit for rest
A native of Chaglla, Cleni Climer
take advantage of the falls in the river
and relaxation. The other side of the
Claudio Cudeño, a driver who acquired
between the dam and powerhouse,”
river, toward the dam, will be focused on
his professional skills through Creer,
explains Sergio. Also, the spillway will
adventure tourism,” says Paola Nacca-
says the program has changed his life.
not be an integral part of the dam. In-
rato, the project’s officer Responsible for
“We learned about the environment
stead, it will be on the left bank of the
Sustainability. Because it flows through
and everyone’s individual responsibility.
river. “We will have three 1-km spillway
a canyon in the rain forest, the Huallaga
I think the program will not only help
tunnels for the reservoir,” he explains.
River is surrounded by beautiful scenery
those who got a job on this project but
and rock formations.
everyone who takes part in it,” he ob-
A fourth tunnel will run alongside
serves.
the spillway tunnels to supply the 6 MW
Paola explains that her program’s
Small Hydropower Plant (SHP), which
activities are not limited to tourism.
In July, the program began accepting
will also be built as part of this project.
“Huánuco produces some of Peru’s
applicants from communities near the
“We decided to use an SHP to harness
finest coffee, as well as cocoa and po-
project for the next edition. “Our goal is to
the energy from the dam’s mandatory
tatoes. We want to enable producers
have 800 more students and steadily ex-
instream flow,” says Sergio. The “in-
to manage the entire supply chain,”
pand the number of members trained by
stream flow” is the amount of water re-
she says.
Creer, who are all local residents. To do
quired to ensure that the stretch of river
The project that is having the biggest
so, we will work with mobile classrooms
between the dam and the powerhouse
impact on the community, however, is
to reach as many people as possible,”
does not go dry.
the Creer Program, the Peruvian version
says Gilda Cespedes, Responsible for
of the Acreditar (Believe) program, which
the Creer Program. She expects to have
Future tourist attraction
was created during construction of the
2,500 applicants this time around.
Before ground is even broken for the
Santo Antônio hydroelectric plant in
Chaglla is a dream that is com-
construction of the plant, residents of
Rondônia, Brazil. “We came here a year
ing true for the Huanuqueño people,
Chaglla will already enjoy the benefits
before the cornerstone was laid for this
according to the President of the Re-
of the project, according to Mayor Mi-
project to groom skilled workers,” says
gional Government of Huánuco, Luis
chaela Tolentino. “The roadworks will
Gonzalo Bussalleu, the officer Respon-
Raúl Picón. “For over 50 years, there’s
improve access to communities near
sible for Institutional Relations. “The first
been talk of building a plant on the
Chaglla, which are on the right bank of
edition, held in April 2010, trained and
Huallaga, and that is what the local
the Huallaga and cut off from neighbor-
certified 863 people from this region,” he
community wants. That dream is be-
ing provinces,” she says.
recalls. “During the first two months of
coming reality and will bring a variety
In addition, the project’s Sustain-
construction, 88 of our current members
of investments to this Department, as
ability Program plans to turn the region
participated in the Creer program and
well as directly creating about 2,000
into a tourist destination. “We have plans
are now working on the service fronts as
jobs and indirectly generating another
in place to make the dam’s reservoir a
well as in administrative areas.”
10,000 opportunities.”
INFORMA
69
8/3/11 5:25 PM
PROFILE: Jairo Brito Gomes
The luck
of the plucky
written by ANA CECÍLIA AMERICANO photo by LÍVIA AQUINO
His passion for challenges
has resulted in transforming
experiences for Jairo, both in
work and life
“Working with Sister
Dulce was an up-close and
personal experience
of someone who truly lives
to serve”
70
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:25 PM
airo Brito Gomes considers
J
building a project that became a
conflict in that country, there were
himself a lucky man. Lady
landmark in Salvador: Santo Anto-
tense situations at some of the Ode-
Luck has helped him many
nio Hospital.
brecht construction sites, and they
times in life, he says, to guide and
According to Jairo, one of his
needed the protection of the Ango-
shape his career at Odebrecht. An
jobs was managing stores of mate-
lan armed forces. In one of the most
economist who graduated from the
rials. Therefore, it was not unusual
emotional moments of his career, it
Federal University at Bahia (UFBA),
for him and Sister Dulce to set out
fell to Jairo to manage the evacua-
he has had unique opportunities and
together in a truck to collect dona-
tion of the team that worked on the
been a witness to history in the vari-
tions around the city. “It was an up-
construction of the Capanda hydro-
ous countries where he has worked.
close and personal experience of
electric plant on the Kwanza River
For him, life has been generous
someone who truly lives to serve,”
in Malange province in 1996. “When
in the challenges it presents, as well
he says. The nun’s goodness trans-
the plane took off, a colleague start-
as enabling him to work with sev-
formed his world view and had a di-
ed singing the national anthem,” he
eral leaders who showed him how
rect impact on his career. “It made
says. The memory gives him goose
to make the most of every situation.
me want to refocus my work on
bumps. “We all sang arm in arm,
The father of three, Jairo admits to
dealing more with people.”
with tears in our eyes.” For Jairo,
being in love with Odebrecht. “I go
A few years later, the same kind
Lady Luck played a major role in
where the company sends me and I
of luck that accompanied him in
that episode, too. “We all got out of
stay there as long as it takes.”
Bahia took him across the Atlan-
there safely,” he recalls.
His passion for the Organization
tic to Portugal, to work at the Ode-
Today, after having lived in São
was born 33 years ago, when he
brecht subsidiary Bento Pedroso
Paulo, where he worked with Faus-
embarked on his first Action Pro-
Construções (BPC), where his lead-
to Aquino, the officer Responsible
gram as an intern, and has grown
ers were Paulo César Fonseca and
for Administration and Finance at
ever since. He says that being hired
Hilberto Silva, both in the Financial
Odebrecht Engenharia Industrial,
in 1978 by Marcos Lima, who was
area. “For me, they were my com-
Jairo is in Venezuela. He’s the Ad-
then Responsible for Audits at Con-
pass,” says Jairo. While there, his
ministrative and Financial Manager
strutora Norberto Odebrecht’s (CNO)
mission would be to train local pro-
of Converpro, a joint venture of
Salvador headquarters (he is now
fessionals and spread the Odebrecht
Odebrecht and the state oil com-
Responsible for Odebrecht Admi-
Entrepreneurial Technology (TEO).
pany PDVSA (Petroleos de Venezu-
nistradora e Corretora de Seguros
On his return from Portugal,
ela S.A.), under the leadership of
– OCS, the Organization’s captive
Jairo went to Salvador, Bahia, to
Project Director Paulo Sá. Based
broker), was one of his first lucky
work as the Administrative-Finan-
in Caracas, he is carrying on with
breaks.
cial Manager of the Organization’s
his mission of spreading TEO. “We
“By a stroke of luck, it happened
Headquarters. There, he once again
have lots of new people here, and
in 1981,” he says. That year, Jairo
had the opportunity to interact with
we need to communicate our val-
went to work at a construction site.
the Organization’s founder, Norber-
ues,” he says.
“I was working on a project that Mr.
to Odebrecht. “Every encounter with
Jairo is very close to his family.
Norberto Odebrecht himself was
him was a lesson learned,” recalls
His second wife, Jane, and his third
personally supervising on Satur-
Jairo. “Even when demands were
child, Caique, 8, have joined him in
days, and he was interested in ev-
being made, the observations were
Caracas. The economist who once
ery detail,” he recalls.
made quietly, without any hurry.”
worked alongside Sister Dulce on
For the young Head of Adminis-
Jairo says he also learned a lot
a daily basis is happy and increas-
tration, that experience was even
during the time he spent in Angola
ingly motivated, both personally
more rewarding because he was
and Mozambique. In those coun-
and professionally. About his role
gifted with Sister Dulce as a client.
tries, he experienced the challenges
at Odebrecht today in Venezuela, he
Known for her social work for the
facing the peoples of Africa. In An-
emphasizes: “Nothing is better than
poor and sick, the tireless nun was
gola, during the period of armed
working with people.”
INFORMA
71
8/3/11 5:25 PM
COLOMBIA
Approach
route
The symbol of resumed operations in
Colombia is the construction of one
of the most important infrastructure
projects in Latin America
written by ZACCARIA JUNIOR photo by MARCELO PIZZATO
“W
72
e’ve never left Colom-
tion of 223 km of the national rail
the contract for the Ruta del Sol
bia. We’ve been here for
network, including design, fabri-
Highway – one of Latin America’s
19 years.” That obser-
cation, assembly and operation of
most important infrastructure and
vation from Luiz Antonio Bueno
the entire superstructure, as well
engineering works in recent years
Jr., CEO of Odebrecht Colombia,
as construction of a thermal pow-
– and the Tunjuelo-Canoas inter-
sums up a history that dates back
er plant, a sewage treatment plant
ceptor, a sanitation (water and
to 1992. That year, the company
and, finally, the Miel I hydroelec-
sewer) project in Bogota.
became responsible for the con-
tric plant (375 MW) in Caldas, built
“The resumption of the Orga-
struction of oil pumping stations
with roller-compacted concrete,
nization’s activities in Colombian
for British Petroleum for the next
and still considered the world’s
territory is explained by the fact
two years. After that, from 1994 to
highest RCC dam: 192 m high and
that the country has achieved good
1995, it took charge of the Port of
354 m long.
political, economic and social con-
Drummond project. In later years,
Having completed those con-
ditions that will ensure its sustain-
it added the La Loma-Santa Marta
tracts in 2003, Odebrecht stayed in
able development,” says Bueno
Railroad to its track record, a proj-
Colombia to look for new business
Junior. Emphasizing that his mis-
ect that resulted in the reconstruc-
opportunities until, in 2009, it won
sion is to restructure the Organi-
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:25 PM
zation’s presence in that country
and make the most of opportunities and businesses, both quantitatively and qualitatively, he says that
the way forward is promising, supported by an environment where the
rule of law prevails. “Odebrecht is
positioning itself in this country in
two ways: as a contractor and as a
company that invests in infrastructure, because in the next few years
the Government will be developing
large engineering projects structured as PPPs (public-private partnerships) and public works concessions, which foster a long-term
relationship and a commitment to
the development of this country,”
he explains.
Bueno Junior’s observations
are based on truly attractive facts
and figures. The country has a GDP
of USD 250 billion/year, a population of 44 million people, major oil
reserves, and the fourth-largest
Ruta del Sol: improving transport
infrastructure. Below,
Jorge Barragán in one of the
tunnels of the Tunjuelo-Canoas
Interceptor: the nation is
investing in sanitation
coal reserves on the planet. It was
recently rated “investment grade”
(a rating agency risk category conferred on a country or company
to demonstrate its ability to meet
financial commitments) and has a
relatively stable economy, demonstrating that it has what it takes to
encourage the march of growth.
Resuming operations
In 2009, Odebrecht Colombia
won the contract to build the Tunjuelo-Canoas interceptor. Led by
Colombian Project Director Jorge
Barragán, it involves building 11
km of tunnels, each about 5 m in
diameter, which will convey sewage
from Bogota to the future Canoas
Treatment Plant. The USD 120-million project is divided into stages,
starting with the sewer pipe and
INFORMA
73
8/3/11 5:26 PM
Ruta del Sol toll plaza: a
special period for the nation’s
investments in transport
infrastructure
construction of the tunnel leading
in length. It begins in Puerto
Community outreach
to the treatment plant, as well as
Salgar and ends in San Roque,
Eder Ferracuti, President of
a power tunnel at the treatment
connecting the capital, Bogota,
the Ruta del Sol concessionaire,
plant. In line with the partnerships
to the Caribbean Sea. Odebrecht
observes that since operations of
with Colombian companies that
is also responsible for the con-
the highway began in April 2010,
Bueno Junior mentioned, Ode-
struction of this section. Ground
the need to work with the local
brecht has formed a joint venture
was broken in May 2011 and the
community has gained promi-
with Cass Constructores to build
roadworks will completed in five
nence and resulted in the creation
the project.
years. The concession period,
of nine Community Service Cen-
which includes operation and
ters as bases for running the Ba-
maintenance, is 20 years.
sic Social Plan. That plan offers
The Ruta del Sol Highway is a
project of a completely different
74
magnitude. It is the most important
The Ruta del Sol project also
support programs for the com-
route in a country with some of the
includes the expansion and con-
munities impacted by the project,
fewest paved roads in Latin Ameri-
struction of a stretch in rural Co-
including the User Program (that
ca. The 1,071-km highway involves
lombia, beginning in the town of
ensures constant communication
a USD 2.5-billion investment and
Villeta (80 km northwest of Bo-
between the highway’s users and
will be divided into three sectors.
gota) and running through eight
the concessionaire), the Safe Mo-
Ruta del Sol SAS, a concessionaire
departments and 39 counties, an
bility Program (taking measures
led by Odebrecht (62.1%), with two
area representing 26.1% of na-
to improve safety on the road) and
Colombian partners, Corficolom-
tional GDP and 30% of the popu-
the Communicate and Neighbors
biana (33%) and Solarte (4.99%),
lation. This venture will make
Program (a place where the local
is responsible for Sector 2, which
Colombia more competitive in the
community can go to make sug-
represents an investment of ap-
international market and help im-
gestions and complaints about
proximately USD 1 billion.
prove access roads to the ports of
the project); the Initiatives Pro-
Considered the largest and
Cartagena, Santa Marta and Bar-
gram (which supports productive
most important section of the
ranquilla, which account for 52%
projects in the sphere of influence
Ruta del Sol, Sector 2 is 528 km
of the country’s port traffic.
of Sector 2 of the highway); and
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:26 PM
the Reinhabit Program (which
528-km stretch of Sector 2, the
res S.A., explains that they are us-
seeks to mitigate the impacts on
concessionaire has signed a Co-
ing sophisticated heavy equipment,
communities directly affected by
operation Agreement with the
350 units of which were acquired
the project). “It’s a huge respon-
Colombian Highway Police cov-
directly by Consol out of the total of
sibility and a very special time.
ering more than 3,000 items,
820 that will be used along the entire
This is the longest highway in
including 56 high-powered mo-
length of Sector 2. When describ-
the country, and we are respon-
torcycles, dozens of cell phones
ing the project, Manuel high-
sible for the longest stretch. So
and computers and hundreds of
lights the use of three Shuttle
far, there have been no exam-
traffic cones, which should help
Buggies for the first time on an
ples of complete success in the
the police patrol the area.
Odebrecht project – equipment
history of road concessions in
In addition to operation and
used to keep the layer of asphalt
maintenance, under Eder Fer-
smooth. “Thanks to these ma-
The factors that set this new
racuti’s leadership Ruta del Sol’s
chines, we can keep trucks and
era of concessions apart are
operations also include building a
pavers from bumping into each
clear. As soon as they entered
further 528 km and widening the
other,
the concessionaire’s center of
existing roadway. This is an exam-
speed in the execution of the
Colombia,” says Eder.
maintaining
constant
operations, the Odebrecht Infor-
ple of the Odebrecht Organization’s
asphalt layer so it isn’t wavy,”
ma team saw attendants trained
investment arm giving way to the
observes Manuel, who will de-
to communicate information to
construction arm. Manuel Ricardo
liver the project by 2016, with
users, and a large-screen moni-
Cabral Ximenes, Project Director
the help of a workforce of 5,000
tor that displays images from
of Consorcio Constructor Ruta del
people.
cameras already installed along
Sol (Consol), the joint-venture con-
the route. The people working in
tractor formed by Odebrecht and
that room can also determine the
Colombian contracting firms Cor-
exact location of each of the 70
ficolombiana and CSS Constructo-
support vehicles the concessionaire uses to operate the
concession, including vans,
tow trucks and cranes. To
ensure the safety of that
Manuel Ximenes:
project uses 820
pieces of heavy
equipment
INFORMA
75
8/3/11 5:26 PM
PEOPLE DEVELOMENT
Theory and practice
Students have a
chance to experience
the daily life of a
construction site
written by JÚLIO CÉSAR S OARES
photo by G UILHERME AFONSO
A
76
quick tour of Lima, Peru,
From left, Raul Rojas, Julia
Alva, Alfredo Alfaro and
Dennis Sanchez, participants
in the Alternate E-Pr@tices
Program: complete view of
the profession
reveals a growing city. Real
estate and road projects
are multiplying and changing the
in July and August, and online, on a
You have to build a project with the
landscape. These days, investment
daily basis,” said Liliana Vertiz, the
desire to serve and satisfy the cli-
in workers’ training and qualifica-
officer Responsible for People and
ent.” Dennis Sanchez, 22, a PUCP
tions is crucial for the Peruvian capi-
Organization at Odebrecht Peru.
student, notes that TEO “shows the
tal. “This is a major challenge: young
While taking the course, students
importance of being more than a
people are absorbed into the labor
are officially Odebrecht interns until
good engineer. It is also important
market in the last year of college,
they complete the program in their
to be a good person.”
and generally speaking, businesses
senior year. “After that, their leader
Because most of the classes
don’t have a vision of joint educa-
will assess them and decide which
are taught online, the program
tion combining theory and practice,
project these young people will be
does not interfere with partici-
which hurts the students’ grades,”
working on, according to each indi-
pants’ studies. “In the case of the
says the Dean of the Pontifical Cath-
vidual’s background,” says Liliana.
Alternate E-Pr@ctices Program,
olic University of Peru (PUCP), Daniel
She says the selection process
as the name implies, theory and
Torrealva. Implemented in October of
was very challenging. “There was
practice go hand in hand,” says
last year, Odebrecht Peru’s Alternate
huge interest among students when
Daniel Torrealva.
E-Pr@ctices Program can help turn
we introduced the program. At the
The Dean of the UNI, Javier Pi-
that situation around.
end of the first stage of testing – sim-
qué, points out that participating
Fifteen of the 359 civil engineer-
ilar to the Young Partner Program –
in this program will enrich young
ing students at the National Univer-
53 candidates passed and we needed
people’s careers. “In college, they
sity of Engineering (UNI) and PUCP
to reduce that number.” To do so, the
receive basic instruction, so it is es-
who applied for the program’s se-
program team introduced a new ac-
sential for them to experience the
lection process are already on their
tivity based on improvisation. “It was
practical side of the profession.”
way to helping meet the challenge.
important to know the ‘emotional’
Piqué also highlights the program’s
The Alternate E-Pr@ctices Program
side of each of the participants and
benefits for Peruvian engineer-
gives students an opportunity to ex-
identify who, in some way, was best
ing and national development. “We
perience the daily life of a construc-
suited to our culture,” says Liliana.
will have professionals who do their
tion site, learn the entire process
Raul Rojas, 21, a student at UNI,
jobs confidently, and since I believe
of carrying out a project, and come
was quick to adapt. “The Odebrecht
that Odebrecht wants to establish
into contact with the Odebrecht Cul-
Entrepreneurial Technology (TEO)
deeper roots in this country, it is
ture. “The course has two stages:
is a philosophy of life,” he says.
important that we have this identity,
face-to-face, during the holiday
“It’s different, because it shows
that the company’s workforce be
period, from January to March and
that it’s not enough to just do a job.
Peruvian.”
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:26 PM
FOLKS
From countryside
to seaside
Nature lover
at work and play
She took an early interest
in the environment
PHOTO:
PHOTO:
BRUNA ROMARO
HOLANDA CAVALCANTI
The ocean has become
part of his life
C
amila Guerbas grew up on her grandfather’s farm in
Mato Grosso do Sul. Since she was a girl, she has ob-
served plants and animals, and it was no surprise when
she decided to study Biology in college. She joined ETH
Bioenergy, at the Santa Luzia Unit, three years ago. Today, at the age of 25, she represents the company on the
HSE (Health, Workplace Safety and Environment) Committee of the Social Energy Project in Nova Alvorada do
Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul, a town she knows very well. Her
favorite pastime is fishing with her grandfather on the
river that runs through the farm where she was raised.
“We only catch what we can eat,” she explains. At work,
her goal is to combine eco-friendly practices with economic development and production. Camila also takes
part in environmental education events at local schools.
“We must learn the principles of sustainability from
childhood,” she says.
Multiple
interests
A
native of Conchal, São Paulo, Wilson Mario Fadel Lozano, 34, graduated in Civil Engineering in Bauru, also
in São Paulo State, and has three graduate degrees – in Logistics, Administration and Project Management. He plays guitar,
and his favorite style is sertanejo (Brazilian country). He loves
life in the countryside and being in close contact with people.
However, he has lived and worked in the Port of Santos for the
last six years. He is accustomed to life on the coast and married to a local resident. He has even started enjoying the ocean
more and going on boat rides. He likes Santos, but is still a
loyal Corinthians fan – it never occurred to him to celebrate
when the city’s soccer club won the Liberators of the Americas
Cup. He took the helm of the engineering area for the port terminals company Embraport (Empresa Brasileira de Terminais
Portuários) in late 2009, and has overseen construction of the
Embraport Terminal from start to finish. “I’ll celebrate when
the first ship docks there!”
B
orn in Jaú, São Paulo, Carlos Gabos has always loved machines. He
got a technical diploma and went on to study Mechanical Engineering
in college, when he was married with three small children. Today, all of
his children are engineers, married and living on their own. Carlos, 55, has
developed a liking for orchids, woodwork and cooking. On weekends, he
cooks for friends and relatives, and devotes himself to fertilizing and repot-
PHOTO:
HOLANDA CAVALCANTI
ting his orchids. “It’s a hobby that involves hard work and dedication, but the
beauty of the flowers makes it all worthwhile,” he says. After three years in
AFEQ (Functional Equipment Support), he is now an Equipment Manager.
An engineer who
cooks, grows flowers,
teaches and more
He also teaches. Overcoming his shyness, he gives lectures and develops
programs to groom and certify key professionals for engineering and construction projects. “I believe that knowledge should be shared,” he says.
INFORMA
77
8/3/11 5:26 PM
SAVVY
Looking for wisdom
and knowledge
In this issue, Odebrecht Informa is introducing Savvy: Folks who’ve
Learned from Work and Life, a series of reports, stories and memories
from, by and about Odebrecht Organization members
Personal account by Antonio Cardilli, given to Valber Carvalho
Edited for Odebrecht Informa by Alice Galeffi
T
he first member to tell his
meetings with the communities
but that was not always what they
own story is Antonio Car-
that were affected by construction
needed. We did things differently.
dilli, who joined the Or-
of the Santo Antônio hydroelectric
We wanted them to build accord-
plant.
ing to their needs, and it worked.
ganization in 1979. Cardilli is the
I took part in 64 participatory
ing Professional Education Pro-
meetings, from Calama, near
gram, which began in Brazil on
the Amazon region, to Abunã, on
the Santo Antônio hydroelectric
Bolivian border. I visited commu-
plant project in Rondônia, and
nities I never dreamed existed.
Learning from
indigenous people
has been replicated at other Ode-
There was one called Ramal dos
I learned a lot from the Indians.
brecht projects in other states and
Arrependidos (Branch of the Re-
Indians have no sense of time or
countries.
pentant), consisting of six or sev-
schedules. They do things when
en families who lived in the heart
they feel like it. A funny thing hap-
of the rain forest.
pened. We scheduled a meeting
In a video statement given to
reporter Valber Carvalho, he de-
78
Today we don’t have any problems
creator of Acreditar, the Continu-
with the resettled communities.
scribes, among other things, how
The real Brazilians are the ones
in an indigenous community for
the Acreditar program got started,
out there in the Amazon, sticking
9 am. The first Indian arrived at
his relationship with indigenous
to the land and giving it its proper
5 pm. Their clock is biological,
peoples and the thrill of seeing
value. We were the newcomers,
not one that tells time like ours,
a worker return his Family Grant
and why had we come? To move
and we have to understand that to
card. Cardilli describes himself as
them away. We would have to re-
work with them in harmony.
a man who likes people and works
settle them because progress was
for their good – a “peopologist.”
coming. How could we go about
Missing skills
Here are some excerpts from
it? We began to hold meetings
If you look back at the history of
Cardilli’s statement. The full video
with them so they could partici-
Rondônia, you’ll see that extrac-
version (16 minutes) can be viewed
pate in decisions. In the past, not
tion has always been part of the
at Odebrecht Informa’s website
long ago, two or three technicians
region’s economic life: in the 18th
(www.odebrechtonline.com.br).
would fly over an area in a plane,
century there was a rubber boom,
take a look at a community and
and then came the cycle of con-
Arriving in the Amazon
say: “That one there, we’ll give it a
struction of the Madeira-Mamoré
I joined the Madeira Project in
school; that one will get a hospital;
Railway, in the late 19th, early
2005, and soon started to attend
and we’ll build a road over there,”
20th centuries. The last boom was
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:26 PM
the mining period, which was the
most predatory of all, and lasted
for years. And there was a nagging question in my mind: “What
can we do to change this situation?”
Then we conducted a survey
in the region and found that al-
s
though there were 30,000 unem-
Antonio Cardilli giving
a talk in Rondônia: “Are you
a ‘peoplogist’?”
ployed people in Porto Velho, if
we had started the project that
day, we could only count on 30%
of the local population at most,
given the lack of job skills there.
The rest would have to come from
elsewhere. That is, we would have
to bring in about 8,000 or more
people, which would aggravate
the social problems in region,
such as poor sanitation (water
and sewer), education, health,
public safety, etc.
Inspiration for
Acreditar
That’s when the light bulb lit
up: “We have to change this story.
We can’t build this project the way
we’ve always done.”
There was only one way to do
that, which was trying to provide
the local people with the necessary skills. We looked for a government or private entity that had
already done something similar
on that scale. (At the time we
were thinking of grooming 10,000
eligible people.) We looked all
over Brazil and couldn’t find one.
We just found bits and pieces that
didn’t suit our needs. That’s when
I decided to put this program together and call it Acreditar – “Believe.”
I have to believe that society
will get on board with this program; that there will be students
INFORMA
79
8/3/11 5:27 PM
to educate and train. And I believe
cal people. And that makes a big
that?” A ‘peopologist’ is someone
we can provide them excellent job
difference.
who likes people. Does the strong
smell of workers make you sick to
skills and hire them to build this
project.
Beginning of Acreditar
Worker returns Family
Grant card
your stomach? If it does you should
Given the success of Acreditar,
sweat disgusts you, you should go,
I arrived here in Porto Velho on
we got a visit from President Lula
because you’re in the wrong place.
January 14, 2008, along with part
last year, which was overwhelm-
of the team to start up the pro-
ing, not only for me but for the
gram.
whole team there.
Lessons from his
grandfather
We went through the neighbor-
One of our workers handed his
Someone else who taught me
hoods to tell people about the pro-
Family Grant card to the president,
to like people was my grandfather.
gram: we visited churches, com-
telling him: “I don’t need this any-
He took good care of his livestock,
munity associations, soccer fields
more. Thank you for your help,
the horses and donkeys that
and bars. Wherever there were
but now I can walk on my own two
worked for him, and when those
more than four people in a bar we
legs. I’m a citizen. I’m a first-class
animals reached a certain age,
would stop, open the van and ex-
citizen. I’m just as worthy as any
when they didn’t have the strength
plain the program. It worked – in
other.” It was incredibly moving.
to work on the farm, my grandfa-
one week, I had 5,000 applicants.
If you ask me if I cried, I’m not
ther didn’t sell them off like most
ashamed to say I did. I really did.
of his neighbors, who sold them to
We began teaching people job
skills six months before break-
the abattoirs.
Are you a
“peopologist”?
those animals out to pasture and
job market. One day someone
Here’s what I say: liking people
let them die of old age. He’d say:
said, “You’re just like a baker.” I
doesn’t mean you’re their friend.
“Son, that animal worked for me
said: “A baker?” “You’re kneading
I’m not those people’s friend. I
and helped me, so now I’m going
bread for someone else to eat.”
don’t have a close relationship
to take care of him.” He’d take
I told him I didn’t care. This was
with them, but I work for their
corn out to feed the livestock ev-
an opportunity to get to know the
good. All my decisions are based
ery day and I’d go with him. That
workers, and they were getting
on helping people.
had a big influence on my child-
ing ground for the plant. They
graduated and went out into the
80
leave. If the stench of people’s
Not him. My grandfather put
to know my company, my orga-
I use the term “peopologist.”
hood and I think that it influenced
nization. What I wanted was for
When a recent graduate or train-
my personality as well. It made
them to have lots of job offers in
ee comes to work with me, the
me come to like people, because
the future, and for us to be their
first thing I ask the kid is: “Do you
a person who treats animals that
first choice. You can see the re-
like people?” “Yes, I do,” he says.
way – well, I don’t even need to say
sult: 85% of our workforce are lo-
“Are you a ‘peopologist’?” “What’s
how well he treated people.
INFORMA
8/3/11 5:27 PM
Next issue:
Communities
rESPONSIbLE FOr COrPOrATE COMMUNICATION AT CONSTrUTOrA NOrbErTO
ODEbrECHT S.A. Márcio Polidoro
Founded in 1944,
ODEbrECHT is a Brazilian
organization made up of
diversified businesses with
global operations and
world-class standards of
quality. Its 140,000 members
are present in the Americas,
the Caribbean, Africa, Asia
and Europe.
rESPONSIbLE FOr PUbLICATIONS PrOGrAMS AT CONSTrUTOrA NOrbErTO
ODEbrECHT S.A. Karolina Gutiez
bUSINESS ArEA COOrDINATOrS Nelson Letaif Chemicals & Petrochemicals |
Andressa Saurin Ethanol & Sugar | Bárbara Nitto Oil & Gas | Daelcio Freitas
Environmental Engineering | Sergio Kertész Real Estate Developments |
Coordinator at Odebrecht Foundation Vivian Barbosa
EDITOrIAL COOrDINATION Versal Editores
Editor-in-Chief José Enrique Barreiro
Executive Editor Cláudio Lovato Filho
English Translation by H. Sabrina Gledhill
Art/Graphic Production Rogério Nunes
Graphic Design and Illustrations Rico Lins
Photo Editor Holanda Cavalcanti
Electronic Publishing Maria Celia Olivieri
Printing 1,600 copies | Pre-Press and Printing Pancrom
EDITOrIAL OFFICES Rio de Janeiro +55 21 2239-1778 | São Paulo + 55 11 3641- 4743
email: [email protected]
Originally published in Portuguese. Also available in Spanish.
8/1/11 9:52 AM
# 155 vol. XXXVIII July/August 2011
English Edition
photo: ricardo telles
ODEBRECHT informa
INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
“People show their creativity
by proving to be capable
of viewing reality from
different angles and taking
pleasure in playing
with ideas”
TEO [Odebrecht Entrepreneurial Technology]
INNOVATION
AND TECHNOLOGY
# 155
VOL . XXXVIII
JUL/AUG 2011
Creativity
and the spirit
of service come
together in a
transforming
encounter
8/1/11 2:21 PM

innovation and technology

Transcription

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