The climate system that makes surgery inside a container possible

Podtown is a Norwegian company specialising in rapidly deployable, off-grid container units for both civilian and military purposes. These solutions provide critical personnel with the protection, mobility and autonomy required in some of the world’s most demanding environments. Since 2024, Podtown has collaborated with Dantherm Group to ensure that the units are equipped with climate control systems to reliably deliver a stable climate while also meeting the strict logistics requirements.

This work has led to the development of the Flexipod platform – a family of ISO-standard modular containers that can be used for everything from forward accommodation and command facilities to fully equipped medical units.

Mobile surgical container unit for high-risk zones

One of the most advanced variants is the Flexipod Clinic – a mobile surgical unit developed in close collaboration with experienced frontline medics. The system is currently deployed in Ukraine, where it provides life-saving capacity in active combat zones. Under such conditions, every component must be reliable, self-sufficient and capable of functioning independently of external circumstances.

The air conditioner is mounted in the container wall via a trapdoor. It is designed to store within the confines of the ISO corners during transportation or storage.

Designed for transport and off-grid operation

Flexipod modules are designed for rapid transport by ship, road or C-130 aircraft and are built to operate in high-intensity conflict zones where infrastructure may be damaged, power supplies unstable, and evacuation can be sudden and unpredictable. Documented resistance to fragments, blast waves and fire makes the system suitable for forward positions near the contact line, as well as disaster areas with limited supply, and extreme climates, such as Arctic cold to tropical heat, high humidity, storms and sandy environments.

To ensure autonomous operation, Flexipod supports multiple energy configurations. Integrated battery systems from 15 to 40 kWh provide significant off-grid capacity. The modules can also be powered by generators or connected to external electricity supplies. Solar panels are an option, though generally not used in forward operations for signature reasons.

The crucial climate system

A central element of Flexipod’s ability to perform is the climate control. Podtown has chosen the Dantherm AC-M5 MKII – a container-based climate system developed specifically for expeditionary and military applications.

The climate system is developed and accredited for harsh climates and rough transport. It delivers stable and reliable temperature control that protects sensitive equipment. For medical and surgical modules, consistent thermal performance is particularly critical to prevent patient hypothermia and support sterile procedures and create a safe working environment for the medical team. Overpressure, filtration and reliability are therefore non-negotiable requirements.

Facts about Dantherm AC-M5 MKII:

• Adapted to ISO containers and integrates via a built-in trapdoor solution, ensuring easy transport and rapid installation. The unit can be operational within minutes and locked from the inside to maintain container integrity.
• Tested and accredited to withstand shock and vibration. Dantherm Group’s container coolers/heaters are tested to endure transport by train, as well as over several thousand kilometres in uneven terrain.
• Full CBRN/COLPRO compliance with no fresh air intake – a crucial requirement for medical modules, command facilities and accommodation in chemically or biologically contaminated areas.
• Operating temperature range, cooling: +20 to +60 °C
• Operating temperature range, heating: -32 to +20 °C
• Proven operability in both Arctic and tropical environments
• Available in both 50 Hz and 60 Hz versions for full interoperability and reliable global operation.
• NATO listed (NSN)

“Dantherm is a trusted defence-grade supplier with proven reliability in expeditionary operations. Their systems are NATO- and ISO-container compatible and very robust. The AC-M5 MKII is compact and easily integrated into Flexipod without adding signature or logistical burden. It supports rapid deployment, requires minimal user training and offers dependable performance under operational loads.”

Bjørn Nordvik, International Sales Director, Podtown

Proven performance in war zones

Demand for protected modular and rapidly deployable off-grid infrastructure is increasing within defence, civil protection and humanitarian operations. Flexipod offers a scalable architecture that is well-suited to future operations requiring autonomous energy systems, climate control, ballistic protection and high interoperability.

Flexipod units are currently in active use at the frontline in Ukraine, demonstrating reliability under the most demanding conditions.

The platform is employed by allied forces including Norwegian special forces, the British Army and the US Department of Defense. Furthermore, the system’s robustness was documented during NATO’s Cold Response 2022 exercise, where it was tested under extreme cold conditions.

Flexipod was originally developed for civilian purposes such as events and temporary accommodation, but it has since evolved into a defence-classified solution. Operations Rooms, Clinics and Accommodation Units can likewise be used for civil contingency, emergency preparedness and humanitarian missions where rapid deployment and high reliability are essential.

The Flexipod Clinic is being sent to Ukraine to stand the test at the frontline.

A valued cooperation

Together, Flexipod and Dantherm Group’s AC-M5 MKII climate system strengthen operational readiness and survivability, ensuring that critical personnel can operate safely, effectively and continuously, even in the most hostile environments.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.