WaveSave’s portable flood barrier SlamDam expands to global markets

WaveSave, a Dutch company founded in 2017, has developed SlamDam, a portable rubber flood barrier designed for rapid deployment during floods. The technology is gaining traction in Africa, Southeast Asia, and other regions, with recent contracts worth $5.3 million and plans to establish local production facilities by 2027.

Portable flood barrier gains traction in global markets

WaveSave, a Dutch company founded in 2017, has developed SlamDam, a portable rubber flood barrier designed to be rapidly deployed in the early hours of a flood. According to MIT Technology Review, the technology was originally developed in 2013 and is still used by regional water authorities in the Netherlands.

SlamDam is now deployed in at least a dozen countries, primarily in Africa and Southeast Asia. The barrier is designed to protect farmland, personal property, and critical infrastructure such as hospitals and water treatment plants. It is also cheaper in the short term than permanent solutions like building levees or relocating facilities to higher ground.

The barrier’s versatility extends beyond flood protection. After a flood, the water stored inside SlamDam can be used to irrigate crops, particularly in drought-prone regions. A UN report cited by MIT Technology Review noted that farmers in Burundi who used SlamDam during the 2022 flood season produced more crops and doubled their incomes.

Contracts and expansion plans

WaveSave recently secured contracts worth $5.3 million in Burundi, Djibouti, and Guinea. The company is self-financed, with seven employees, and plans to grow organically by reinvesting profits.

To further scale its operations, WaveSave aims to open local production facilities in Southeast Asia and East Africa in early 2027. The company is also exploring a service-based model to make SlamDam more affordable for communities and farmers.

Despite its potential, SlamDam faces adoption challenges. A research team analyzing its use in Kenya found barriers to community adoption, including questions about ownership and deployment responsibilities. Protecting a single property may require as little as 10 meters of SlamDam, while larger facilities like hospitals or farms may need up to 300 meters.

Competition and future prospects

WaveSave competes with companies like AquaFence, MegaSecur, and NOAQ Flood Protection in the portable flood barrier market. However, SlamDam’s portability, reusability, and dual function as a water storage solution set it apart.

The company is also demonstrating its technology in New York City’s Governors Island as part of a competition for urban climate adaptations. This initiative highlights SlamDam’s potential for use in densely populated areas prone to flooding.

Climate change drives demand for flood protection

The demand for flood protection solutions is growing as climate change increases flood risks. According to MIT Technology Review, nearly 2 billion people will be exposed to floods by 2100—an increase of 300 million from 2020—due to climate change and population growth. Portable and cost-effective solutions like SlamDam are positioned to address this challenge.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

WaveSave’s SlamDam represents a practical and scalable approach to flood protection, particularly in regions where permanent infrastructure is infeasible or too costly. Its dual function as a water storage solution adds value in drought-prone areas, making it a versatile tool for climate adaptation. However, the company’s challenges in community adoption highlight the importance of tailoring solutions to local needs and ensuring clear ownership and deployment models. If WaveSave succeeds in scaling production and refining its service-based model, SlamDam could become a critical resource for flood-prone communities worldwide.

Key takeaways

• SlamDam is a portable, reusable flood barrier with a lifespan of over 40 years, costing €1,000 to €3,000 per five-meter section.
• WaveSave recently secured $5.3 million in contracts and plans to open local production facilities in Southeast Asia and East Africa by 2027.
• The barrier can also store water for irrigation, benefiting farmers in flood-prone and drought-prone regions.
• Adoption challenges remain, particularly around ownership and deployment in communities.
• Climate change is increasing the demand for cost-effective, portable flood protection solutions.

FAQ

What is SlamDam, and how does it work?

SlamDam is a portable rubber flood barrier developed by WaveSave. It can be quickly deployed in the early hours of a flood to protect property, farmland, and critical infrastructure. The barrier is reusable and has a lifespan of over 40 years.

Where is SlamDam currently used?

SlamDam is deployed in at least a dozen countries, primarily in Africa and Southeast Asia. It is also being demonstrated in New York City as part of a climate adaptation initiative.

How much does SlamDam cost?

SlamDam costs between €1,000 and €3,000 per five-meter section, depending on the height and specifications required.

What are WaveSave’s plans for expansion?

WaveSave plans to open local production facilities in Southeast Asia and East Africa in 2027. The company is also exploring a service-based model to make the technology more accessible to communities and farmers.

What challenges does WaveSave face?

WaveSave faces challenges in community adoption, including questions about who should own and deploy the barrier. The up-front cost of the technology can also be a barrier for some users.

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