Massachusetts Port protecting critical infrastructure with AquaFence

Subtitle: The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) – operator of Boston’s Logan Airport and the Port of Boston – faced increasing coastal flood threats to critical utility facilities. By implementing AquaFence’s deployable FloodWall barriers, Massport protected vital pump stations and electrical infrastructure near Boston Harbor from storm surges while preserving daily operations and site aesthetics.

Customer Background & Challenge

Massport’s Role: Massport manages Logan International Airport (New England’s busiest airport) and key maritime assets in Boston Harbor. These operations are essential to the region’s economy, so any disruption can have wide-reaching impacts. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy’s near-miss in 2012, Massport recognized that several critical utility buildings (such as stormwater pumping stations and electrical substations) near the waterfront were highly exposed to coastal flooding and storm surge risks. Boston was fortunate to avoid Sandy’s worst, but the close call spurred Massport to act proactively on flood resilience.

Post-Sandy Threat Recognition: Starting in 2013, Massport launched a comprehensive climate resiliency initiative to ensure continuity of operations. Risk assessments identified that low-lying infrastructure around Boston Harbor and Logan Airport could be inundated by a strong nor’easter or hurricane. Traditional defenses (like permanent floodwalls or elevating structures) were impractical or too disruptive for these built-up sites. Massport needed a solution that would protect vital facilities during extreme storms yet remain invisible and non-intrusive the rest of the time. In other words, the Port Authority sought deployable flood protection that could be rapidly installed ahead of an emergency and removed afterward, allowing normal airport and port activities to continue unimpeded in non-flood conditions.

Key Challenges: Massport’s core challenge was balancing robust flood protection with operational and urban design constraints. Specifically, the team had to address:

• Exposure of Critical Sites: Utility buildings and equipment yards by the harbor and airfield edges were vulnerable to storm surge and sea-level-driven floods. These included facilities indispensable for keeping runways open and port terminals running (power supply, pumps, etc.).

• Non-Intrusive Installation: Any flood solution needed to integrate with existing infrastructure without major construction. Massport wanted to avoid permanent floodwalls or berms that could alter site traffic flow or aesthetics. The protection system had to be compatible with the dense urban hardscape and architectural requirements.

• On-Demand Deployment: The flood barriers should be quickly deployable only when needed. In normal times, they should be stored away with minimal impact on daily operations. This meant the system must be easy and fast for crews to install during an emergency warning, and just as easy to remove afterward, without requiring special site preparations each time.

Solution – AquaFence Deployment

Massport addressed the challenge by selecting the AquaFence FloodWall, a high-performance deployable flood barrier system, after a competitive review of available technologies. AquaFence’s design met all of Massport’s criteria: it provides substantial flood protection up to the required height, yet is a freestanding, modular barrier that leaves no permanent footprint on the protected structure. The AquaFence solution was customized for each vulnerable facility in the harbor area. In collaboration with Massport’s engineers, AquaFence developed site-specific layouts where aluminum-panel FloodWalls can be quickly assembled around the perimeters of the at-risk buildings. Importantly, these barriers do not bolt to the buildings themselves, preserving the integrity of the structures and pavement – a truly non-invasive approach.

Why AquaFence: Massport chose AquaFence’s FloodWall due to its proven performance and flexibility. The system’s design flexibility and non-invasive installation made it an ideal choice for protecting critical facilities without impeding their normal use. AquaFence flood panels are stored on-site and only deployed when a severe storm is forecast, ensuring the facilities remain open and accessible under normal conditions. The solution was also vetted to fit Massport’s broader resilience planning. AquaFence worked closely with Massport on onsite consultations and engineering integration, ensuring the barrier configurations would fit seamlessly at each location (around corners, entrances, and existing equipment). This collaborative customization meant that when the barriers are needed, they align perfectly with the site, sealing off doorways and other openings as part of the temporary floodwall enclosure.

Deployable FloodWall System: AquaFence’s FloodWall is a panel-based barrier that harnesses the weight of floodwater to stabilize itself, avoiding the need for permanent foundations or fill material. Each panel locks together to form a continuous wall that can encircle a building or asset without attachments to the structure. The standard modules come in various heights (up to ~9 feet/2.7 m) and can adapt around corners or uneven ground. When not in use, the panels and support braces are kept in storage (often a nearby shed or container) and the only trace on the site might be a few flush anchor points in the pavement. Because the system is modular and FM Approved (ANSI/FM 2510 certified), Massport could trust that it would perform under real flood conditions . In fact, AquaFence’s flood barriers carry a “Platinum” level FM Approvals certification – the highest level available – indicating they passed rigorous full-scale flood testing for reliability. The product also meets U.S. FEMA and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) criteria for dry floodproofing of non-residential buildings, and aligns with ASCE 24 flood design standards referenced by building codes. These credentials gave Massport confidence that AquaFence would satisfy not only technical requirements but also regulatory and insurance expectations for flood mitigation.

Implementation & Operation

Deployment Protocol: For each protected site, Massport has established a clear protocol to deploy the AquaFence barriers when a flood threat arises. The components (panels, braces, gaskets) are stored nearby for quick access. When a major coastal storm or hurricane is forecast to impact Boston, trained facility crews mobilize to install the barriers typically 24–48 hours before expected landfall (or whenever the City issues flood emergency guidance). The panels are manually moved into position and interlocked around the building’s perimeter, forming a sealed barrier that can hold back floodwater up to the design height. All ground-level openings – such as doorways or ventilation louvers – are either incorporated behind the perimeter FloodWall or temporarily closed off with specialized flood doors or shields as needed. Once the AquaFence walls are up and secured, the utility building becomes a dry island capable of withstanding the storm surge. After the flood threat passes, the barriers are disassembled and returned to storage, leaving the site open and normal-looking again.

Training & Integration: Massport integrated the deployable barriers into its emergency response and climate preparedness plans. Regular drills and training exercises are conducted to ensure that staff can install the AquaFence systems efficiently under time pressure. This preparation has been key to making the deployment process smooth and fast. In practice, a small team can put up a sizable length of AquaFence FloodWall in a matter of hours, especially when compared to traditional sandbagging (which is labor- and time-intensive). Because the barriers are modular and designed for rapid assembly, Massport can protect each facility without needing large crews or heavy equipment. Notably, deploying the AquaFence around an airport building or port substation does not require shutting down those facilities in advance – the installation can often be done while the airport and port continue normal operations right up until the storm arrives. This agility means Massport’s flood preparations do not unduly disrupt travelers, airlines, or shipping activities. The barriers have also been incorporated into Massport’s incident command structure: crews have defined roles for who decides to activate the flood defense, how to notify stakeholders, and steps for post-event teardown and inspection. Through this careful planning and training, AquaFence has been fully woven into Massport’s resilience toolkit as an on-call defense measure.

Minimal Footprint: In day-to-day operation, the AquaFence system has virtually no impact on Massport’s facilities. The barrier units remain out of sight in storage until needed, preserving the site’s aesthetics and functionality. Airport roads, taxiways, and port access routes are unobstructed during normal conditions – a significant advantage over permanent floodwalls that could have impeded vehicle or pedestrian movement. Even the installation process is designed to be gentle on the property: the FloodWall’s anchoring points are small and capped when not in use , and no heavy construction or alterations are required to deploy it. This approach allowed Massport to maintain its busy airport and seaport operations without the visual or operational burden of fixed flood infrastructure.

Results & Impact

By implementing AquaFence’s deployable flood barriers, Massport achieved a substantial boost in resilience for its critical infrastructure:

• Reliable Flood Protection: The vulnerable utility buildings are now shielded by a comprehensive flood defense capable of withstanding storm surges on the scale of Hurricane Sandy. This greatly reduces the risk of catastrophic damage to pumps, electrical systems, and other essential equipment during hurricanes or extreme nor’easters.

• Operational Continuity: The AquaFence solution ensures that Massport can keep these facilities operational during and after extreme weather events, or at least bring them back online much faster post-storm. With dry floodproofed pump stations and power units, the airport and port are far less likely to suffer prolonged outages. This translates into avoided flight cancellations, port downtime, and costly emergency repairs.

• Preserved Site Conditions: The minimal-impact design of the barriers means Massport achieved flood protection without altering the character or layout of their facilities. Architectural aesthetics, historical facades, and critical access points remain unchanged. For a prominent public entity, maintaining appearances and not building unsightly walls was a notable benefit.

• Confidence and Peace of Mind: Knowing that a certified, battle-tested flood barrier is ready to deploy has given Massport’s leadership and stakeholders peace of mind. They can be confident that even if a major storm hits Boston, the most critical infrastructure is prepared and safeguarded. This assurance extends to insurers and regulators as well – with AquaFence’s high certification level, there is documented proof of risk reduction, which can favorably impact insurance and compliance standings. Massport’s proactive investment in deployable protection showcases its commitment to safety, resilience, and continuous operations, reinforcing its reputation as a forward-thinking port authority.

Notably, these results align with Massport’s broader climate adaptation goals. The deployment of AquaFence barriers at all Tier 1 sites was a key milestone in Massport’s resiliency program. The infrastructure is now markedly better prepared for the next flood event, which helps ensure the continuity of Boston’s transportation network and economy even in the face of intensifying coastal storms.

Compliance & Risk Management

From a compliance and risk management perspective, AquaFence’s solution checked all the boxes for Massport’s stringent requirements.

Engineering Standards: The AquaFence FloodWall system meets the ANSI/FM 2510 standard for flood abatement equipment and in fact carries a platinum-level FM Approvals certification. This is significant because ANSI/FM 2510 is the only nationally recognized standard for flood barrier products – having the highest-level certification under this standard demonstrated to Massport (and its consultants) that the product had been thoroughly tested for performance and durability. Such third-party certification is often essential for public agencies, as it provides an independent verification of quality and can streamline approval by building code officials and insurers. Massport’s insurers and risk advisors, for example, could trust that an FM Global-tested barrier would perform as advertised to prevent property loss.

Regulatory Compliance: AquaFence’s deployable barriers are fully compliant with FEMA and NFIP guidelines for dry floodproofing of non-residential structures. In practical terms, this means the system can be used to meet the flood protection requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program – an important factor since Logan Airport and the port facilities must adhere to local floodplain regulations to maintain insurance eligibility. The barriers are designed to withstand the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads of the Base Flood Elevation (100-year flood) with appropriate freeboard, in line with FEMA Technical Bulletins and guidance for floodproofing. Additionally, the AquaFence solution was implemented in accordance with ASCE 24, the nationally adopted building standard for flood-resistant design. ASCE 24 sets criteria on flood protection heights, structural integrity, and deployment plans, especially for critical facilities. By aligning with ASCE 24, the Massport flood barrier installations meet or exceed code requirements for flood safety – a crucial aspect for a public entity’s accountability and for future development permits. This alignment also means that Massport’s flood mitigation measures can be credited in resilience grant applications or insurance premium reductions, as they are built to an accepted standard.

Risk Management Benefits: Implementing AquaFence barriers has become a cornerstone of Massport’s climate risk management strategy. The deployable nature of the system allows Massport to manage flood risk dynamically: barriers are deployed when needed, avoiding the constant presence (and maintenance) of permanent structures. This keeps lifecycle costs efficient. Moreover, the reusability of AquaFence (each unit can be deployed dozens of times over its life) provides a sustainable and cost-effective risk reduction tool. By investing in a certified solution, Massport also positions itself favorably for any future requirements – for instance, insurance underwriters or federal regulators often look for evidence of code-compliant flood protection measures when evaluating an airport or port’s risk profile. Massport can now demonstrate that it has taken concrete, standards-aligned steps to mitigate flood risk, thereby potentially lowering its liability and ensuring quicker recovery after disasters. The combination of top-tier engineering certifications and compliance has effectively de-risked these facilities to the extent feasible, allowing Massport to focus on its mission of transportation service with greater confidence in the face of climate threats.

Conclusion & Call to Action

By deploying AquaFence’s innovative FloodWall barriers, the Massachusetts Port Authority significantly strengthened the flood resilience of its critical infrastructure without sacrificing operational flexibility or site appearance. This case illustrates how a major coastal transportation hub embraced a modern, mobile flood protection strategy to safeguard its assets. AquaFence’s solution enabled Massport to achieve a dual goal: robust flood defense only when needed, and zero footprint when not. As a result, Logan Airport’s support systems and Boston’s port facilities are better prepared for hurricanes and extreme tides, ensuring that travel and trade can rebound quickly after storm events. The partnership between Massport and AquaFence showcases a forward-looking approach to climate adaptation – one that combines engineering rigor with practical deployment.

For other airports, ports, and infrastructure operators facing similar coastal flooding challenges, Massport’s success offers a blueprint. Deployable flood barrier systems like AquaFence’s can provide reliable protection that integrates into emergency plans and regulatory frameworks, all while maintaining day-to-day normalcy. In an era of rising seas and unpredictable storms, investing in such flexible flood defenses can be the key to preserving critical operations.

To learn more about AquaFence’s deployable flood protection solutions and how they can be tailored to your facilities, please contact AquaFence or visit AquaFence.com for further information.