Pre-design work at Ukraine’s road border crossing points with Romania begins under USAID ERA support 

BCP Renovation and Reconstruction
08 February 2024

Miyamoto Ukraine, a subcontractor of the USAID Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA), has started pre-design work and preliminary studies aimed at designing the expansion of the Diakivtsi – Racovăţ and Krasnoilsk – Vicovu de Sus road border crossing points (BCPs) located on the Ukrainian-Romanian border. 

During the technical visit to the BCP site, the Miyamoto Ukraine team met with representatives of the State Agency of Ukraine for the Restoration and Development of Infrastructure (SARDI) and the State Customs Service. The engineers compared the available design documents with the actual constructed facilities and checked the compliance of the planned work with the requirements of the legislation and construction standards in Ukraine. The planned expansion of the checkpoint will increase the throughput capacity for freight transport, which, in turn, will positively impact the flow of Ukrainian grain export through Romania. 

Natalia Chukanova, Chief Engineer at Miyamoto International Ukraine said, “In January, our team visited two border crossing points, Dyakivtsi – Rakovets and Krasnoilsk – Vicovia de Sus. During the working visit, we got acquainted with the facilities, inspected the territory and existing buildings and structures of the BCPs to clarify the scope of work required, and took photos of the current state of the facilities. We discussed the issues and possible solutions in advance. During the meeting, we talked to Customs officials about the technological process. We gathered all the necessary information for further implementation of the modernization of the state border crossing points of Ukraine.

She noted further, “The Miyamoto Ukraine team, which includes civil engineers, building inspection specialists and architects, is implementing all the planned work to modernize the BCPs and increase their capacity according to the planned schedule.”

In February, Miyamoto Ukraine engineers are scheduled visit two railway and one road BCPs in Zakarpattia and Lviv Oblasts to conduct a detailed inspection of the technical condition of the existing infrastructure and facilities and determine the scope of work required for their modernization and improvement.  

Mustafa Nayyem, Head of the State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine noted, “29 BCPs on the western and southern borders of Ukraine have been transferred to the management of the State Agency for Reconstruction. Our task is to modernize these checkpoints and increase their capacity. I am grateful to our partners USAID and Miyamoto for their assistance on this important project.”  

Background: Between 2023-2026, USAID, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is dedicating $115 million to support the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (SARDI), Ukrainian Railways (UZ), and State Customs Services, to upgrade border crossing points (BCPs) to improve grain trade and export volumes. 

USAID ERA installs three 50-kW generators for Ukrzaliznytsia

BCP Renovation and Reconstruction
02 February 2024

USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) has delivered three 50-kW diesel generators to the Chop Záhony, Vadul-Siret Vicșani, and Mostyska Medyka rail border crossing points (BCPs) operated by Ukrzaliznytsia (UZ).  

Equipped with automatic voltage regulators, the generators will ensure a constant and stable power supply for the checkpoints, which serve as strategic export routes to Poland, Hungary and Romania, especially during the cold winter months. The generators will strengthen UZ’s logistics infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted operation to facilitate increased cargo turnover, grain export and passenger traffic at the rail BCPs.  

USAID ERA is working to modernize border crossing points to improve operational efficiency and cargo transportation logistics, and increase trade, grain export, and traffic flows in general. 

Background: Between 2023-2026, USAID, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is dedicating $115 million to support the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (SARDI), Ukrainian Railways (UZ), and State Customs Services, to upgrade border crossing points (BCPs) to improve grain trade and export volumes.  

USAID ERA begins installation of prefabricated buildings at border crossing points in Volyn and Chernivtsi Oblasts 

BCP Renovation and Reconstruction
01 February 2024

 Artmetal Ukraine, a Dnipro-based company, under contract from the USAID’s Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), has completed the installation of the first two of 10 modular buildings at the Yahodyn-Dorohusk road border crossing point (BCP) to be used as offices for Border Guard and Customs. 

From January 24 to 29, Artmetal Ukraine also delivered four modular buildings to be installed as restrooms for Yahodyn-Dorohusk and two for Porubne-Siret BCPs. The necessary power supply and other utility connections for all the prefabricated buildings will be done by the end of February to enable the facilities to become fully functional.The installation of the modular buildings will improve the working conditions of Customs and Border Guard and make it more comfortable for people crossing the Ukrainian-Polish and Ukrainian-Romanian borders. 

“I thank our partners from USAID for their systematic support of Ukraine’s modernization, in particular in strengthening Ukraine’s export capacity. The development of border crossing points will allow us to optimize their operation and, accordingly, increase trade turnover,” commented Oleksandr Kubrakov, Vice Prime Minister for Reconstruction of Ukraine, Minister of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure of Ukraine.

These facilities are the first of 33 units that will improve the operational efficiency of four key border crossing points on Ukraine’s western border: “Yahodyn-Dorohusk, Porubne-Siret, Luzhanka-Beregsurány, and Uzhhorod-Vyšné Nemecké, which are critical infrastructure facilities for Ukrainian grain exports. 

“The Reconstruction Agency is taking over 29 checkpoints, 23 have already been transferred to the Agency’s management, and repair work has begun at 11. Our task is to improve export logistics. We are grateful to USAID for its consistent systemic support of the Reconstruction Agency and participation in the development of the checkpoints,” said Mustafa Nayem, Head of the State Agency for Reconstruction and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine.

As a leading grain exporter, Ukraine will benefit greatly from the optimization of its transportation systems through USAID’s major improvements at these two checkpoints. This modernization will ensure that Ukrainian grain can reach world markets faster and more efficiently, strengthening the local economy while contributing significantly to global food security. 

Background: Between 2023-2026, USAID, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is dedicating $115 million to support the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (SARDI), Ukrainian Railways (UZ), and State Customs Services, to upgrade border crossing points (BCPs) to improve grain trade and export volumes.    

USAID ERA work to improve Ukrainian’s border crossing points (BCPs) in 2023 

BCP Renovation and Reconstruction
04 January 2024

November 2023 

  • Enhancement of Infrastructure: USAID’s Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) has significantly contributed to improving Ukraine’s border crossing points (BCPs). Notable deliveries and installations include three 1-ton scales, 312 water-filled road barriers, and 452 road signs  at four key BCPs along the borders with Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary. 
  • Subcontract with Miyamoto International: In a strategic move, USAID ERA signed a subcontract with Miyamoto International. Some key deliverables under this collaboration include comprehensive feasibility studies, technical and economic justifications, and pre-design documentation for the development of new cargo terminals.  

December 2023 

  • Installation of a 50-kW Generator: To bolster the infrastructure at the railway BCP in the Volyn region, USAID ERA installed a 50-kW generator. This generator will provide vital backup power to one of Ukraine’s largest cargo BCPs, ensuring minimal disruption in cargo flow. 
  • Upgrade of Lighting Systems: The lighting systems at road BCPs in the Volyn and Zakarpattia regions underwent significant upgrades. USAID ERA replaced and installed 479 LED lights at these points, located on the borders with Poland and Slovakia, enhancing visibility and safety. 
  • Site Visits by Miyamoto Ukraine: Miyamoto Ukraine, a subcontractor of USAID ERA, conducted inspections of three key priority BCPs near Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia. The team evaluated the condition of unfinished terminals at two road BCPs in the Zakarpattia region and surveyed the expansion area for the cargo terminal at the road BCP in the Volyn region. 
  • Comprehensive visits to assess BCPs: A team from USAID ERA, along with contractors from Green Powered Technology and CDM Engineering, conducted visits to 7 priority BCPs in the Odesa and Chernivtsi regions. With this visit, ERA concludes assessment of 48% of the 43 BCPs targeted BCPs under the USAID support. During these visits, the team identified and assessed the conditions of the BCPs to develop work scopes, budgets, technical specifications, and implementation plans. Rapid upgrades have already began, with the installation of signs, barricades, and lighting at four priority BCPs. 

ERA’s key contractors: 

  • CDM Engineering Ukraine: Established in 2013, they provide high-quality engineering and environmental consulting services that align with international best practices. Theyoffer comprehensive project management services, encompassing design, procurement, technical supervision, and quality control. 
  • Green Powered Technology: Founded in 2010, this international consulting firm specializes in energy, engineering, and development assistance sectors. They focus on promoting sustainable, innovative energy and engineering solutions worldwide, offering green energy and cost-effective solutions for government and commercial projects.  
  • Miyamoto International Ukraine: Miyamoto International has an official presence in 27 countries worldwide. The Ukrainian branch, Miyamoto International Ukraine, boasts an engineering team of approximately 128 professionals based in their Ukraine office. This team will provide design and quality assurance for the BCP construction work under USAID ERA. Additionally, Miyamoto Ukraine is actively collaborating with the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine and also working with regional and military administrations across various parts of the country. 

USAID ERA is enhancing the infrastructure and operational efficiency of Ukraine’s BCPs. Through strategic collaborations and the deployment of state-of-the-art technology, these improvements will strengthen the logistical capabilities and contribute to the economic resilience of Ukraine. The substantial progress in upgrading and assessing a significant number of BCPs demonstrates the effectiveness and impact of the USAID ERA’s work on BCPs. 

Background: Between 2023-2026, USAID, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is dedicating $115 million to support the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (SARDI), Ukrainian Railways (UZ), and State Customs Services, to upgrade border crossing points (BCPs) to improve grain trade and export volumes. 

Dnipro-based ARTMETAL manufactures prefabricated buildings for USAID’s modernization of Ukraine’s western border crossing points

BCP Renovation and Reconstruction
04 January 2024

Dnipro-based manufacturing company Artmetal Ukraine LLC, under a contract from USAID’s Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is producing modular or prefabricated buildings for upgrading Ukraine’s western border crossing points (BCPs) to improve grain export logistics. Artmetal, which specializes in the manufacture of metal prefabricated and frame structures, is producing a total of 33 structures, to be installed at four priority Ukraine BCPs with Romania, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary.   

The replacement of old modular structures at the borders with new and improved models manufactured by Artmetal, is part of the urgent modernization of Ukraine’s BCPs to increase operational efficiency and improve cargo logistics, trade volumes, grain exports, and overall traffic flows.      

In December, the first six prefabricated buildings were completed by Artmetal, the winner of a USAID ERA competitive tender. Artmetal, one of three Ukrainian bidders, offered the best price and features of the prefabricated units sought by ERA, and therefore won the contract.  

Artmetal is a responsive and adaptable manufacturer, who after receiving the technical solutions shared by USAID ERA, adapted its production to fit the needs of the project. The hardworking team produced the first six buildings in record time, which were delivered by December 22, for installation at the road BCP in the Volyn Oblast on the border with Poland, which will be used as offices by Customs and Border Guard officials.  

“Under the contract with USAID ERA, we are to manufacture 32 modular structures and a canopy, which come in six different sizes and are for different uses including restrooms, canopy, and offices. We are now completing the first batch of such buildings for one of the border crossing points in the Volyn region,” says Oleh Myroshnychenko, Artmetal’s CEO.   

Modular buildings now account for 90% of Artmetal’s product portfolio, as they can be easily and quickly delivered throughout Ukraine and installed whenever needed. The company uses domestically sourced components in its production to support the local economy. If necessary, some components are purchased from abroad. The company currently employs over 50 people and sells its products throughout Ukraine. Its customers include large industrial enterprises, government agencies, and small to medium-sized businesses.  

“To build such a prefabricated building, we source materials not only from our country, but also from all over the world. Rolled metal, wall panels, insulation, slab materials, electrical and plumbing equipment – the list of what we need for production is quite long. Among the countries where we buy components are Turkey, Germany, or Poland, but we understand that we need to support domestic producers to keep the economy going. As a manufacturing company, if we are satisfied with the quality of the materials, we will definitely buy them from a Ukrainian producer,” Oleh Myroshnychenko states.   

Currently, all the company’s employees are involved in the production of prefabricated buildings. The USAID ERA contract alone enabled the company to utilize 25% of its capacity. To produce such prefabs, the company utilizes services from several of its operational areas, including metal bending, cutting, metalworking, welding, assembly, and, finally, on-site installation. Such a prefabricated building measures 2 x 2 m or 2.5 x 6 m and is equipped with furniture (a table and an armchair), electric heating and air conditioning. The sanitary modules (toilets) for each checkpoint feature a ramp, providing easy access for people with disabilities. In early December, the USAID ERA technical team visited the manufacturing site and was able to verify the quality of the materials used and the manufacturer’s compliance with national and international standards for producing prefabricated structures for BCPs.  

 

“Our mission is to make fast construction affordable and to create a comfortable environment for the people who use our products. I want everyone who uses the Customs building to feel warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I am confident that the building will serve them for many years and not require any repairs, if they take good care of it. We hope that our Border Guards and Customs Officers will feel more comfortable and at ease in our buildings,” says Oleh Myroshnychenko.  

The company already has experience in the construction of prefabricated buildings for Border Guards. Similar buildings were made to order for Luhansk Oblast, where a checkpoint was set up to house representatives of various government agencies. Further, after the outbreak of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, Artmetal built a complex of prefabricated buildings for internally displaced persons in Chernivtsi.  

“With the financial support of international partners, we also made prefabricated buildings to host administrative service centers in the de-occupied territories of Kyiv Oblast, for example, in Borodianka and Ivankiv, where Russia’s troops had bombed out administrative buildings. It took us from a month to a month and a half to set up an administrative service center, or a post office, pharmacies, or shops, to provide much needed facilities for the local communities as quickly as possible,” says Oleh Myroshnychenko. 

Artmetal continuously develops and monitors the market trends in order to adapt, grow, and develop. It considers large European producers to be its competitors, so it does its best to be in competition with them.  

“There are other manufacturers of prefabricated buildings in Ukraine, but we do not want to compete with them. We are competing with large European manufacturers from Austria, Poland, and Germany. Before we started producing prefabricated structures in Ukraine, they had to be delivered from Europe. Now there are hardly any prefabricated buildings from foreign manufacturers in Ukraine – they know about us, they call me and ask how we are doing, and we communicate. They are our competitors,” says Oleh Myroshnychenko.   

In line with aspirations set out in Ukraine’s rebuilding agenda, Artmetal is one such company, that is experienced, equipped, and ready to meet the restructuring needs, creating jobs, boosting the local economy, and supporting Ukraine’s grain export to reach the world.   

Background: Between 2023-2026, USAID, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is dedicating $115 million to support the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (SARDI), Ukrainian Railways (UZ), and State Customs Services, to upgrade border crossing points (BCPs) to improve grain trade and export volumes.  

USAID ERA evaluated nearly 50% of Ukraine’s priority border crossing points

BCP Renovation and Reconstruction
03 January 2024

USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) is modernizing Ukraine’s border crossing points (BCPs) with Moldova, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania, to improve efficiency, accessibility, and the capacity of logistics for cargo export and strengthen trust in standards and processes. 

In December 2023, a team from USAID ERA and contractors from Green Powered Technology and CDM Engineering conducted a comprehensive visit to 7 of the 42 priority BCPs in the Odesa and Chernivtsi regions. With this visit, ERA has now assessed 20 of the 42 Ukrainian road, rail, and port BCPs, constituting 48% of the priority BCPs targeted for upgrade. 

During the visits, the team identified and assessed the conditions of the BCPs in order to develop the scope of work, budgets, technical specifications, and implementation plans for the work to be done at the various BCPs. The goal is also to determine the main design works that need to be carried out to begin improving the operation of these BCPs. A rapid upgrade has also been planned, which has already begun with installing signs, barricades, and lighting at four priority BCPs.  

USAID ERA contractor, CDM Engineering Ukraine, was established in 2013 to provide high-quality engineering and environmental consulting services that meet international best practices. The company offers a full range of project management services, such as design, procurement, technical supervision, and quality control from the start of work to commissioning. 

Green Powered Technology is an international consulting firm in the energy, engineering, and development assistance sectors. It was founded in 2010 with the mission of promoting the development of sustainable, innovative energy and engineering solutions worldwide. They pioneer green energy and provide sustainable, cost-effective energy solutions for government and commercial projects. 

Background: Between 2023-2026, USAID, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is dedicating $115 million to support the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (SARDI), Ukrainian Railways (UZ), and State Customs Services, to upgrade border crossing points (BCPs) to improve grain trade and export volumes.