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 tents 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 fulfil orders accurately, quickly, and completely to be considered for an award.
The equipment to be procured included Rapid Deployment Tents. These tents had to be manufactured and assembled within a short timeframe to ensure timely deployment. In addition, the tent'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 tents 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 tents had to be watertight, with a tight seal to prevent water from entering and compromising the integrity of the tent.
LANCO's pneumatic technology meets the above requirements. Its easily transportable and erectable tents could be deployed quickly in an emergency. Recognizing the importance of rapid response, LANCO's pneumatic tents offer safe solutions for hospitals, tent camps, warehouses, and headquarters.
4. The Approach
For this project, LANCO utilized an AZF inflatable tent model, a tent that had undergone rigorous evaluation to ensure its durability and resilience. The structure was meticulously designed to withstand a snow load of 20 kg/m² and wind speeds of up to 100 km/h. The internal area of the tent was approximately 76 m², measuring 12.35 meters in length, 6.30 meters in width, and 3.15 meters in height, comfortably accommodating around forty people.
The tent floor was constructed from PVC-coated polyester fabric sheets, which are securely welded to the top and front of the tent, ensuring complete coverage and waterproofing. This material selection guarantees that the tent is not only waterproof but also resistant to mold. Additionally, the tents require no special maintenance and can be easily repaired, if necessary, making them highly practical for various conditions.
The pneumatic structure of the tents 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 tents are reliable, durable, and easy-to-assemble tents, designed to meet the needs of emergency situations.
5. The Result
In addition to supplying 85 portable inflatable tents, 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 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 tents.
The timely delivery of the LANCO tents 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 tents 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 tents. The ability to quickly deploy and relocate these structures ensures that they can be used in various challenging environments, providing reliable tent and operational space wherever needed.
