SLAMDAM demonstration on Governors Island

SLAMDAM is a reusable mobile flood barrier that uses water to create weight and stability.

Teams transport and position the barrier while it is empty. They then fill it with locally available water. After the flood risk has passed, teams can empty, remove and store the system for another deployment.

This approach can provide temporary flood protection without requiring permanent construction at every vulnerable location.

During the Governors Island demonstration, WaveSave will explain:

• How teams transport and deploy SLAMDAM
• How water stabilises the barrier
• Where mobile flood barriers can be installed
• How deployment planning supports emergency response
• How teams remove and reuse the system
• How cities can explore demonstrations and pilot projects

Visitors can also discuss possible applications for buildings, transport routes, waterfront areas, industrial sites and critical infrastructure.

Selected by The Trust for Governors Island

The Trust for Governors Island selected WaveSave through its third annual Climate Solutions Challenge.

The challenge sought practical responses to climate pressures affecting New York City and other densely populated areas. These pressures include chronic flooding, extreme heat and water shortages.

The Trust selected SLAMDAM to demonstrate how rapidly deployable temporary infrastructure can help cities reduce flood risk from coastal storms and heavy rainfall.

As a selected winner, WaveSave receives access to the Governors Island Climate Piloting Program, technical support and opportunities to connect with potential customers, investors and project partners.

Why Governors Island is a relevant test location

The Governors Island Climate Piloting Program allows innovators to test climate products and services in a real-world environment.

Its waterfront setting creates a relevant context for technologies linked to coastal resilience, urban infrastructure and emergency preparedness. The programme also helps companies gather practical experience before expanding their solutions to other locations.

For SLAMDAM, the pilot creates an opportunity to demonstrate deployment in New York City and discuss how temporary flood barriers could complement existing flood-resilience measures.

The Governors Island programme has supported climate projects covering areas such as clean water, living shorelines, buildings, energy, air quality and the circular economy since its launch in 2023.

Mobile flood protection for cities

Cities need different forms of flood protection.

Permanent infrastructure remains essential in many high-risk locations. However, not every vulnerable site can receive a permanent wall, embankment or floodgate. Risks can also change depending on the storm, rainfall pattern or affected infrastructure.

Mobile barriers provide an additional option. Emergency teams can deploy them at selected locations when forecasts or local conditions indicate a rising risk.

SLAMDAM can support:

• Temporary protection around buildings
• Flood defence for roads and access routes
• Protection of utilities and other infrastructure
• Water diversion and containment
• Emergency response exercises
• Seasonal flood preparedness
• Demonstration and pilot projects

The system does not replace every form of permanent infrastructure. Instead, it gives cities another practical tool for managing temporary or changing flood risks.