1. The Background
Russia's war against Ukraine has had a significant negative impact on the Ukrainian energy sector. Due to their economic, humanitarian, and geopolitical importance, Ukrainian energy infrastructure facilities were among the main targets of the Russian army. Disruptions to the supply of electricity, gas, heat, and water have severely affected Ukrainians in targeted areas.
Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, 2022, Ukrainians have faced increasing difficulties in accessing essential utilities. Electricity, gas, heat, and hot water became increasingly scarce, causing significant hardship across the country. Homes, hospitals, schools, and public institutions struggled to function optimally without a steady supply of electricity. In addition, the declining availability of gas, heat, and hot water compounded the challenges faced by the population, particularly during the colder months. The situation required immediate attention and concerted efforts to keep the country's energy sector functioning.
2. The Problem
To respond to the challenges, the United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and its Energy Security Project (ESP), is enabling the Government of Ukraine and energy companies to continue operating the electricity, gas, and heating networks. USAID's ESP is leading efforts to restore the energy sector, rehabilitate critical infrastructure destroyed by Russian bombing, and increase the resilience of the energy system. As part of USAID's assistance, the provision of heated transitional shelters is a critical intervention to protect people during emergencies and give them a sense of home during these harsh times.
3. The Challenge
One of the key challenges for USAID's Energy Security Project (ESP) in Ukraine was to expedite the procurement of critical equipment and services for Ukraine's utilities and power systems. The ability of bidders to supply the required goods, materials, and services was a key evaluation criterion. The project emphasized the need for companies to demonstrate their ability to fulfill orders accurately, quickly, and completely to be considered for an award.
The equipment to be procured included Rapid Deployment Shelters. These shelters had to be manufactured and assembled within a short timeframe to ensure timely deployment. In addition, the shelter's supporting and enclosing structures, as well as individual components such as doors and hatches, had to meet stringent criteria to ensure strength, reliability, and safety once assembled.
The shelters also had to be equipped with ventilation and heating systems to provide suitable conditions for those seeking refuge and have at least two entrances with doors to ensure easy access. Finally, the shelters had to be watertight, with a tight seal to prevent water from entering and compromising the integrity of the shelter.
LANCO's pneumatic technology meets the above requirements. Its easily transportable and erectable shelters could be deployed quickly in an emergency. Recognizing the importance of rapid response, LANCO's pneumatic shelters offer safe solutions for hospitals, warehouses, and headquarters.
4. The Approach
For this project, LANCO utilized an AZF inflatable shelter model, a shelter that had undergone rigorous evaluation to ensure its durability and resilience. The structure was meticulously designed to withstand a snow load of 4 lbs/ft² and wind speeds of up to 62 mph. The internal area of the shelter was approximately 817 ft², measuring 40.44 feet in length, 20.70 feet in width, and 10.30 feet in height, comfortably accommodating around 40 people.
The shelter floor was constructed from PVC-coated polyester fabric sheets, which are securely welded to the top and front of the shelter, ensuring complete coverage and waterproofing. This material selection guarantees that the shelter is not only waterproof but also resistant to mold. Additionally, the shelters require no special maintenance and can be easily repaired, if necessary, making them highly practical for various conditions.
The pneumatic structure of the shelters is crafted from airtight PVC-coated fabric. The internal insulation sheet is composed of front and rear sections of cotton fabric joined with Velcro, providing excellent thermal insulation. In summary, LANCO’s portable inflatable shelters are reliable, durable, and easy-to-assemble shelters, designed to meet the needs of emergency situations.
5. The Result
In addition to supplying 85 portable inflatable shelters, LANCO provided all the necessary equipment to ensure their functionality and usability in emergency situations. This comprehensive support helped the regional units of the Ukrainian National Emergency Service and local city councils to enhance their ability to shelter people in emergencies, keeping them warm and connected.
As part of the package, LANCO supplied a wide array of essential equipment, including inflation kits, RIS inner liners, and 5kW (6.71 horsepower) diesel generators to ensure a reliable power source. Indirect oil heaters were included to provide efficient heating, ensuring comfort and safety in challenging weather conditions. To address potential maintenance or repair needs, LANCO provided repair and staging kits. These kits allowed for secure anchoring and quick, efficient repairs, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the shelters.
The timely delivery of the LANCO shelters and associated equipment significantly strengthened the emergency preparedness of the Ukrainian State Emergency Service units and local city councils. This ensured the safety and well-being of those in need of shelter and protection during crises.
Conclusions
LANCO is the proud supplier of numerous international humanitarian organizations and of several NATO states' armies. Rapid delivery of 85 inflatable shelters can be a challenge for any manufacturing company, but we have managed to do it on time, complying with all the requirements. Overall, LANCO’s innovative approach and comprehensive support package not only met the immediate needs of the Ukrainian emergency services but also set a new standard for portable, durable, and efficient emergency shelters. The ability to quickly deploy and relocate these structures ensures that they can be used in various challenging environments, providing reliable shelter and operational space wherever needed.
