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| Example of a deployed marine barge |
Works to guide planning of Long Island start in August, with vessels deployed off East Coast Park
Ang Qing Straits Times Updated Aug 27, 2025, 09:51 PM
SINGAPORE – The public has been warned to steer clear of vessels surveying the waters off East Coast Park for the planning of Long Island, as site investigation works for land reclamation commence in August.
Some marine barges will be stationed in parts of the sea off East Coast Park, about 100m away from the shoreline, as survey boats comb the waters.
Those engaging in water activities there are advised to keep a distance of at least 100m from the vessels.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), in an update on Aug 25, said information gathered by these works will guide the detailed design and plan to reclaim about 800ha of land off East Coast Park – twice the size of Marina Bay – in the coming decades.
When completed, the project – currently envisioned as three tracts of land – will shield the mainland from rising sea levels and inland flooding, while creating new homes and other amenities like Singapore’s 18th reservoir.
URA said site investigation works will build an understanding of the geological and seabed conditions in the area, among other things. These works will take “a few months”, according to URA’s website.
The barges will stay at each investigation site for one to three days, as on-board rigs are used to conduct geographical borehole drilling, soil sampling and field tests.
Meanwhile, survey boats will use sonar technology to map the seafloor and submerged objects, as well as conduct geographical and cable-detection surveys.
The works are not expected to result in pollution or environmental impact, said URA.
Ryobi Geotechnique International, a Singapore-based civil engineering firm, is involved in the works.
The business, which has been acquired by Swiss multinational testing, inspection and certification company SGS, had a hand in investigation work for previous land reclamation in Singapore and infrastructure projects like the Cross Island Line.
URA did not share further details about the timeline of the works when contacted.
The concept for Long Island was first mooted under Singapore’s Concept Plan in 1991, before it was surfaced as a way to protect the East Coast area against rising seas during the 2019 National Day Rally.
Land in the area is largely lower than 5m above the mean sea level, which is the extent of projected sea-level rise by the end of this century, if extreme high tides coincide with storm surges.
In 2023, the Government announced that public agencies would carry out technical studies for the Long Island project over five years, starting from early 2024.
Since then, more than 3,000 members of the public and other stakeholders have been consulted to understand their aspirations for the new land.
Site Investigation Works for 'Long Island'
From the URA website
What’s Happening
From August 2025, HDB will be conducting site investigation works in the waters off East Coast Park for a few months. These initial studies will gather essential information, such as an understanding of the geological and seabed conditions, which will guide the project's detailed design and planning.
What to Expect
During this period, you may notice some marine barges stationed at various locations in the waters off East Coast Park, around 100m away from the shoreline, as well as survey boats moving across the waters.
The barges will remain at each investigation site for one to three days, using onboard rigs to conduct borehole drilling, soil sampling and in-situ field tests. Survey boats will carry out side scan sonar, geographical and cable detection surveys. The works are not expected to result in pollution or environmental impact.
Advisory for Water Activities
For your safety, please:
Maintain a distance of at least 100 metres (i.e. length of two Olympic-size swimming pools) from all work vessels.
Sea space users are advised to check Port Marine Notices for updates.
Follow any other on-site safety advisory at East Coast Park.
For enquiries about the works, please contact Ms Chester Lee from Ryobi Geotechnique International Pte. Ltd. at 8183 9601.
Note: Updated as at 25 August 2025. This webpage will be updated regularly with the latest information on ‘Long Island’.
