News Summary
AquaFence, a flood barrier manufacturer from Norway, has opened a new office in Tampa following the successful deployment of its flood barriers during Hurricane Helene. The new office may serve as its U.S. headquarters and is part of AquaFence’s commitment to community safety and local hiring, aiming to create numerous jobs. The company is also engaging with local infrastructure projects, emphasizing the importance of advanced flood protection systems in the face of increasing severe weather events.
Tampa – AquaFence, a flood barrier system manufacturer headquartered in Oslo, Norway, has expanded its presence in the United States by opening a new office in Tampa. This move follows the successful deployment of their flood barrier technology at Tampa General Hospital during Hurricane Helene, where the barriers effectively protected the facility from a significant storm surge.
The newly established office is located at the Thousand & One office tower, and AquaFence has signed a 10-year lease for 3,500 square feet of space. This office may also serve as the company’s new U.S. headquarters. AquaFence’s Chief Revenue Officer emphasized the importance of community safety and outlined the company’s commitment to local hiring, aiming to create about 15 to 20 jobs as operations grow.
Tampa General Hospital’s CEO commended AquaFence’s innovative flood barriers, stating they play a critical role in ensuring operational continuity and patient safety during hurricanes. The AquaFence FloodWalls, which are utilized by the hospital, range in height from four to nine feet and successfully withstood a storm surge exceeding seven feet during Hurricane Helene. The barriers are capable of withstanding wall of water up to 15 feet high and have been tested against wind speeds of 140 mph.
In addition to protecting Tampa General Hospital, AquaFence has garnered interest from St. Petersburg, where city officials approved a budget of $628,000 for the installation of 518 feet of AquaFence FloodWall. This decision was part of emergency preparations following recent hurricanes, underlining the importance of enhanced flood protection for essential infrastructure, such as Lift Station 85.
AquaFence’s flood barrier technology presents a significant upgrade over traditional sandbags, which are often ineffective against severe flooding. The company aims to work closely with local and state partners to improve engineering solutions and enhance public safety.
Tampa’s population of approximately 3.5 million people has led AquaFence to view the region as a “family-oriented” community that feels like home after multiple visits. This sentiment reinforces their commitment to bringing innovative flood protection solutions to the area.
Other organizations in the Tampa Bay region, including the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, are currently exploring options for incorporating AquaFence’s flood protection systems into their facilities. This interest highlights a growing recognition of the need for advanced flood defense technologies in the face of increased severe weather events.
AquaFence is also in the process of developing residential flood barrier products, which are expected to have a projected cost of around $20,000 upon availability. Homeowners interested in these products can fill out a form to join a waiting list. It is also recommended for homeowners to consider acquiring flood insurance, as standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover damages resulting from flooding.
The recent advancements and successful deployments of AquaFence’s flood protection technology represent a significant step forward in safeguarding the Tampa area and other regions potentially vulnerable to flooding. The commitment to local employment and community safety illustrates the company’s dedication to supporting the region while providing essential solutions to combat the effects of severe weather.
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Wikipedia: Flood Control
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Florida Politics
- Google Search: AquaFence
- House Digest
- Google News: AquaFence
- Morning Brew
- Google Scholar: Flood Protection Technology
