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Coastal protection is a long-term and complex undertaking that involves the reshaping of Singapore’s coastlines. To develop measures to protect Singapore from the threat of rising sea levels, here’s what PUB has begun doing:
PUB formulates coastal protection policies to regulate coastal protection measures and activities.
Since November 2023, PUB has been working on a two-year study to develop a new Code of Practice (COP). The COP will provide a set of common design standards and Operation and Maintenance requirements to guide the industry in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of coastal protection infrastructure. It will also include best practices for the implementation of multi-functional coastal protection measures. This would ensure that coastal protection infrastructure is designed and maintained to the required standards to protect Singapore in the long run.
To safeguard against the impact of sea level rise, since 2011, the minimum reclamation levels for newly reclaimed land and minimum platform levels for new developments have been raised from 3 metres to at least 4 metres above the mean sea level. New critical infrastructure such as Tuas Mega Port and Changi Airport Terminal 5 will be built at least 5 metres or more above the current mean sea level.
Climate projections are uncertain, with climate science still advancing. Hence, a flexible approach for our coastal protection measures will be adopted to allow short term investments in no-regret measures, with built-in options for long-term adaptation when required.
As Singapore’s coastline is highly varied, we are unable to implement one-size-fits-all solutions – each segment of the coastline would require tailored solutions that suit its local characteristics. From 2021, we have progressively embarked on site-specific studies at City-East Coast, North-west Coast and Jurong Island to understand the characteristics of each segment of the coastline. These studies allow us to develop tailored coastal adaptation options and plans, including engineering solutions, such as sea walls, earth mounds and tidal gates, or long-term developments like the ‘Long Island’ at East Coast. We also commenced a feasibility study for coastal barriers at the South-west Coast.
Where possible, measures will incorporate multi-functionality and be co-located with existing or future amenities and recreational spaces to enhance the living environment and complement land use. PUB will also explore hybrid solutions, which could include nature-based elements. An example of a hybrid solution would be the use of mangroves or vegetation in front of coastal dikes to help with the dissipation of wave energy at the coastline.
Tackling climate change requires investment in research and innovation, bringing together local and overseas multi-disciplinary experts to co-create, conceptualise, and develop innovative solutions.
A Coastal Protection Expert Panel was formed in 2020 to advise PUB on the latest international best practices and planning strategies.
PUB formulates coastal protection policies to regulate coastal protection measures and activities.
Since November 2023, PUB has been working on a two-year study to develop a new Code of Practice (COP). The COP will provide a set of common design standards and Operation and Maintenance requirements to guide the industry in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of coastal protection infrastructure. It will also include best practices for the implementation of multi-functional coastal protection measures. This would ensure that coastal protection infrastructure is designed and maintained to the required standards to protect Singapore in the long run.
To safeguard against the impact of sea level rise, since 2011, the minimum reclamation levels for newly reclaimed land and minimum platform levels for new developments have been raised from 3 metres to at least 4 metres above the mean sea level. New critical infrastructure such as Tuas Mega Port and Changi Airport Terminal 5 will be built at least 5 metres or more above the current mean sea level.
Climate projections are uncertain, with climate science still advancing. Hence, a flexible approach for our coastal protection measures will be adopted to allow short term investments in no-regret measures, with built-in options for long-term adaptation when required.
As Singapore’s coastline is highly varied, we are unable to implement one-size-fits-all solutions – each segment of the coastline would require tailored solutions that suit its local characteristics. From 2021, we have progressively embarked on site-specific studies at City-East Coast, North-west Coast and Jurong Island to understand the characteristics of each segment of the coastline. These studies allow us to develop tailored coastal adaptation options and plans, including engineering solutions, such as sea walls, earth mounds and tidal gates, or long-term developments like the ‘Long Island’ at East Coast. We also commenced a feasibility study for coastal barriers at the South-west Coast.
Where possible, measures will incorporate multi-functionality and be co-located with existing or future amenities and recreational spaces to enhance the living environment and complement land use. PUB will also explore hybrid solutions, which could include nature-based elements. An example of a hybrid solution would be the use of mangroves or vegetation in front of coastal dikes to help with the dissipation of wave energy at the coastline.
Tackling climate change requires investment in research and innovation, bringing together local and overseas multi-disciplinary experts to co-create, conceptualise, and develop innovative solutions.
A Coastal Protection Expert Panel was formed in 2020 to advise PUB on the latest international best practices and planning strategies.
