Details on a “continuous line of defence” at the South and at Changi was announced. As part of its study, the agency had considered feedback from stakeholders, including experts, nature groups and youth about preserving direct access to the sea. Construction is slated to begin in the 2030s.
If no action is taken, widespread flooding could happen in the City-East Coast region during extreme coastal storm surges in 2050.
At Changi Beach Park, PUB will be constructing a raised platform farther inland to ensure access to the beach and preserve the seagrass-rich shores. This means the beach will be left to temporarily flood during extreme high tides. Safety measures will be put in place to guide beachgoers away when extreme coastal weather is forecast.
PUB said it had incorporated feedback from the community and nature groups to preserve habitats and visitor access in deciding on this measure.
Mr Muhammad Nasry Abdul Nasir, executive director of Singapore Youth Voices for Biodiversity, said: “Let the tidal areas flood. That’s what they do. I would prefer if the bund is set as far back as possible inland to allow intertidal areas and seagrass meadows to retreat with sea level rise.”
Mr Ho Xiang Tian, co-founder of environmental group LepakInSG, said: “I’m glad to hear this because our shorelines are being squeezed everywhere and this gives some breathing room for the Changi intertidal shores.”
Ms Hazel Khoo, director of the Coastal Protection Department at PUB, said that Singapore's coastal protection requires "innovative solutions" that go beyond traditional approaches.
"Coastal protection requires long-term and careful planning, and trade-offs are inevitable. There are still coastlines with unique characteristics that we will need to conduct site-specific studies progressively," she said, adding that PUB will explore solutions that balance diverse priorities.
Share your views at PUB's "Riding the Tides" Exhibition or PUB's Coastal Conversations
Share your views at PUB's "Riding the Tides" Exhibition or PUB's Coastal Conversations
Coastal barriers, shoreline upgrades among proposed moves to shield southeast Singapore against rising seas
The proposed coastal protection measures will complement the previously announced Long Island at East Coast to provide a continuous line of defence, said national water agency PUB.
Erin Liam Channel NewsAsia 30 Aug 2025 12:00PM(Updated: 30 Aug 2025 12:34PM)
SINGAPORE: To protect the low-lying areas in Changi and the Greater Southern Waterfront from flooding, a study has proposed building coastal protection structures to form a “continuous line of defence”, with construction set to begin in the 2030s, national water agency PUB said on Saturday (Aug 30).
These include three coastal barriers linking Sentosa, Pulau Brani and the mainland, retrofits to the Marina Barrage and raised coastal protection structures, among other measures.
Setback measures, which refer to coastal protection structures built further inland, will also be used at Changi Beach Park so as to preserve beach access and minimise impact on biodiversity.
The coastal protection site-specific study for the City-East Coast region started in 2021 and cost S$18 million (US$14 million). The region includes the Greater Southern Waterfront, East Coast and Changi.
PUB, along with relevant government agencies, will next look into detailed studies to develop engineering designs of the recommended measures and conduct environmental impact assessments, the agency said.
Construction of coastal protection measures is slated to begin in the 2030s.
The recommendations for the Greater Southern Waterfront and Changi complement other coastal protection efforts at East Coast, providing a continuous line of defence to protect the area against rising sea levels, PUB said.
This would include the “Long Island” that was announced in 2023, which would create an enclosed waterbody in front of East Coast Park and would also serve as a barricade against erosion in the mainland.
Speaking at the launch of the Coastal Protection Exhibition on Saturday at VivoCity, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong said that unlike larger countries, Singapore does not have the option of "retreating" inland.
"Protecting our coastlines is therefore of existential importance," said Mr Gan, adding that coastal protection is a complex task that will take decades to complete.
"But we can take heart in our unique ability to plan far ahead ... Coastal protection is another such endeavour that will require sustained efforts over generations – and just as with our public housing, water and infrastructure, it is a necessary investment in the safety, security and resilience of our nation."
The need for coastal protection
At this year’s Budget, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that an additional S$5 billion will be injected into the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund. The fund was announced in 2020 with an initial fund of S$5 billion to protect Singapore against rising sea levels.
As a low-lying country, about a third of Singapore’s land is less than five metres above mean sea level.
Studies from the Centre for Climate Research Singapore and the third National Climate Change Study projected that Singapore could see a permanent mean sea level rise of up to 1.15 metres by 2100.
This means that low-lying areas of the country will be vulnerable to the effects of permanent mean sea level rise, tides and storm surges.
If no action is taken, widespread flooding could happen in the City-East Coast region during extreme coastal storm surges in 2050.
PROTECTING THE GREATER SOUTHERN WATERFRONT
The Greater Southern Waterfront region is set to become a mixed-use waterfront precinct with leisure and tourism developments, said Mr Gan.
The area stretches from Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal to Marina East, and includes Sentosa and Pulau Brani, which will be developed into a tourism destination as part of the Greater Sentosa Master Plan.
From the study, three coastal barriers and shoreline measures are recommended.
Two coastal barriers will link eastern Sentosa to Pulau Brani and then to mainland Singapore, based on a map provided by PUB. The third barrier will connect western Sentosa to mainland Singapore, although the exact location has yet to be determined.
These coastal barriers comprise a series of gates that remain open by default to minimise environmental impact and allow maritime activities to take place. During high tides and storm surges, the gates will close to protect the area against coastal flooding.
Similar barriers can be found in other countries, such as the Thames Barrier in the United Kingdom and the Maeslant Barrier in the Netherlands.
PUB had considered the alternative approach of raising seawalls, or vertical barriers built of concrete and rocks, and constructing tidal gates along the waterfront promenade.
A tidal gate is typically placed across a water channel, such as a canal or a large outlet drain. It consists of barriers that can be lifted or lowered to control the flow of water.
However, such an approach would block sea views and would require more land, PUB said.
As part of its study, the agency had considered feedback from stakeholders, including experts, nature groups and youth about preserving direct access to the sea and waterfront promenade.
Mr Gan said the construction of coastal barriers will allow the public to still have access to the coastline and enjoy the sea view, which was highlighted by several participants during these feedback sessions.
Meanwhile, existing coastal protection along Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal to Labrador Nature Park, and from Marina South to Marina East will be upgraded, PUB said.
This includes raising existing sloped protective structures built along shorelines, known as revetments, at Marina South.
The Marina Barrage will also be retrofitted to guard against rising sea levels.
A MIX OF MEASURES IN CHANGI
As for Changi’s coastline, PUB said the study recommended a mix of revetments, tidal gates and bunds as protection measures. A bund is a raised coastal defence structure made from compacted soil, clay or sand.
The Changi region encompasses Changi Village, Changi Beach Park, Changi Airport, Changi Naval Base and other industrial and aviation facilities.
Changi Beach Park could see raised bunds, which can double up as footpaths or cycling tracks.
To preserve recreational access to Changi Beach Park, these bunds will be positioned further inland.
Doing so will not only maintain beach access, it will also serve to minimise impact to existing intertidal habitats, PUB said.
Additionally, there are plans to install tidal gates at locations where existing major canals discharge to the sea. PUB said that the location and design of such gates will need to be further studied so they integrate with the landscape.
PUB will also carry out measures at the shoreline. At Changi South, existing revetments and seawalls may be raised, with the potential of incorporating design features to add recreational value to the area, PUB said.
Ms Hazel Khoo, director of the Coastal Protection Department at PUB, said that Singapore's coastal protection requires "innovative solutions" that go beyond traditional approaches.
"Coastal protection requires long-term and careful planning, and trade-offs are inevitable. There are still coastlines with unique characteristics that we will need to conduct site-specific studies progressively," she said, adding that PUB will explore solutions that balance diverse priorities.
Site-specific studies at other regions of Singapore’s coastline are ongoing or will commence soon, PUB said. They include site-specific studies at Sentosa Island and the southwestern coast, which are slated to commence in 2026.
The Ministry of Sustainability and Environment and PUB will also introduce a Coastal Protection Bill next year, to enforce compliance with coastal protection standards and spell out the responsibilities of stakeholders involved.
PUB will also launch a code of practice for coastal protection by the first half of 2026 to set standards for the design, construction and operation of coastal protection structures in Singapore.
Singapore’s south-eastern coastline to be protected from rising seas by coastal barriers, tidal gates
Shabana Begum Straits Times Updated Aug 30, 2025, 09:53 PM
SINGAPORE – Structures to help preserve Singapore’s south-eastern coastline – one of its lowest-lying areas – will be built from the 2030s to protect people and infrastructure there from the rising seas.
These range from coastal barriers, which are arm-like gates that can open or close depending on weather conditions, to raised platforms known as bunds in the Changi beach area.
These were some of the proposed solutions revealed at the country’s first coastal protection exhibition at VivoCity.
On Aug 30, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who toured the exhibition, said: “Coastal protection is another endeavour that will require sustained effort over generations – and just as with our public housing, water and infrastructure, it is a necessary investment in the safety, security, and resilience of our nation.”
The exhibition ends on Aug 31.
The proposed measures shown at the exhibition by national water agency PUB are recommendations following a four-year study of the City-East Coast stretch. The study by infrastructure consultancy CPG Consultants began in 2021.
The stretch spans the Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal to the future Greater Southern Waterfront precinct and the Changi area.
It is one of eight segments into which PUB has divided Singapore’s over 300km-long coastline to identify the most suitable ways to protect each section.
The City-East Coast stretch was chosen for the first site-specific study due to its low-lying nature as much of it is less than 5m above current sea levels.
By 2100, average sea levels around Singapore could potentially rise by up to 1.15m.
The segment between the Greater Southern Waterfront and Changi will be protected by the previously announced Long Island.
Long Island is envisioned as three tracts of land reclaimed to higher levels off East Coast. It will protect a large part of the City-East Coast stretch, from Marina East to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, from rising seas.
Protection measures for other parts of the Greater Southern Waterfront and Changi include installing seawalls, raising shoreline slopes and building tidal gates.
“Every stretch of our coast is different – from the bustling Marina Bay to the tranquil Changi Beach Park. Each coastal space has its own geography, uses and identity,” added DPM Gan, who is also Minister for Trade and Industry.
In the next one to two years, PUB and other agencies will do further studies, which include developing the designs of the recommended measures and conducting environmental impact assessments.
First-in-Singapore coastal barriers
Three barriers will be installed on both ends of Sentosa to shield the coastline from storm surges.
Storm surges are higher-than-usual tides caused by storms brewing offshore, with sea levels rising up to 4m or 5m and leading to coastal flooding.
Each barrier comprises a series of gates across the water channels.
There could be two coastal barriers on the eastern end of Sentosa.
One will link the resort island to Pulau Brani, and another from Brani to mainland Singapore. Brani, now a port island, will be turned into a leisure destination in the next two to three decades under the Greater Sentosa Master Plan.
Agencies will further study the possibility of having the barriers also serve as a “causeway” for visitors to reach Brani and Sentosa from the mainland.
The third coastal barrier will connect western Sentosa to a yet-to-be determined location on the mainland because environmental impact studies have to be done first.
Sentosa’s western end faces Labrador Nature Reserve’s Berlayer Creek – home to one of two remaining mangrove patches in the south of Singapore.
The resort island’s western corner is also home to Tanjong Rimau, one of Singapore’s last remaining rocky shores.
Building the barrier at the narrowest parts of the channel may be less costly and reduce time, but could risk impacting the habitats. PUB said it will explore solutions that balance technical feasibility, cost and impact on biodiversity.
PUB said it had previously considered an alternative approach to protecting the Greater Southern Waterfront which involves raising seawalls and constructing tidal gates along the entire waterfront promenade.
However, this would block sea views and take up more waterfront land.
Agreeing, exhibition visitor and Telok Blangah resident Herman Khoo, 75, said: “Seawalls will destroy the aesthetics of the place. The waterfront should be freed up for residential (uses) and leisure.”
Storm surge barriers already exist in places like the Netherlands and Britain. In the 1990s, the Maeslant barrier – one of the largest moveable objects in the world – was built to protect Rotterdam and its port from storm surges.
Shielding eastern Changi
Over at Changi Beach Park, considered a treasure trove of intertidal biodiversity, PUB said it will be constructing a raised platform – such as a bund – farther inland to ensure access to the beach and preserve the seagrass-rich shores.
This means the beach will be left to temporarily flood during extreme high tides. Safety measures will be put in place to guide beachgoers away when extreme coastal weather is forecast.
PUB said it had incorporated feedback from the community and nature groups to preserve habitats and visitor access in deciding on this measure.
Mr Muhammad Nasry Abdul Nasir, executive director of Singapore Youth Voices for Biodiversity, said: “Let the tidal areas flood. That’s what they do. I would prefer if the bund is set as far back as possible inland to allow intertidal areas and seagrass meadows to retreat with sea level rise.”
Mr Ho Xiang Tian, co-founder of environmental group LepakInSG, said: “I’m glad to hear this because our shorelines are being squeezed everywhere and this gives some breathing room for the Changi intertidal shores.”
Coastal protection will also be integrated into future developments in the area. For example, Changi Airport’s upcoming fifth terminal will have an elevated airfield at 5.5m above sea level.
“Where feasible, we will raise the cycling paths along our shores so that they can also double up as our coastal defences,” said DPM Gan, adding that Changi will be turned into a vibrant business and lifestyle destination.
A mix of funding methods will be used to finance the coastal measures, said PUB.
This includes tapping the $10 billion Coastal and Flood Protection Fund, as well as earmarking funds for this purpose in the annual Budget. The Government will also consider borrowing to spread the cost across generations, PUB added.
At the VivoCity exhibition, several visitors said they appreciated Singapore’s foresight in planning for future sea level rise.
Retiree Terin Yim, who frequently visits Changi Beach Park with her husband, said: “We are already in our 60s, but we worry about the younger generation. We are glad that the authorities are pre-emptive and not reactive.”
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PMO 30 Aug 2025
My Cabinet colleague, Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-Charge of Trade Relations
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Introduction
Good morning to all of you. Thank you for inviting me to join you at Singapore’s first Coastal Protection Public Exhibition.
As an island nation, Singapore is particularly vulnerable to sea level rise.
According to our latest national climate change study, relative mean sea levels around Singapore are projected to rise by up to 1.15m by 2100.
Combined with high tides and extreme weather events, sea levels could surge up to 5m above mean sea level. If you don’t know how high 5m is, you can go to the column behind you, and there is a mark of 5m. It is almost at the level of the second storey of this building.
This puts nearly a third of Singapore at risk of coastal flooding.
In fact, we have already seen early signs of this, such as periodic flooding at East Coast Park during high spring tides.
Unlike larger countries, we do not have the option of retreating inland to higher ground. Protecting our coastlines is therefore of existential importance.
This is a complex task that will take decades to complete.
But we can take heart in our unique ability to plan far ahead.
From water security to land reclamation and industrial development, our ability to invest early in long-term solutions has been critical to our success and survival.
Coastal protection is another such endeavour that will require sustained effort over generations – and just as with our public housing, water and infrastructure, it is a necessary investment in the safety, security, and resilience of our nation.
Building a continuous line of defence
Every stretch of our coast is different – from the bustling Marina Bay to the tranquil Changi Beach Park, each coastal space has its own geography, uses and identity.
This is why PUB has been conducting Site-Specific Studies to develop coastal protection solutions that are tailored to the characteristics of each area.
We started with the City-East Coast area in 2021, followed by the North-west region in 2022.
And around 2026, we will commence studies for Sentosa and the South-west coast.
These studies will contribute to a continuous line of defence around Singapore against coastal flooding.
This effort also presents an opportunity for us to reimagine these spaces.
Over the past three years, more than 150 participants – from residents and grassroots leaders, to businesses, schools, and nature groups – have contributed ideas through “Our Coastal Conversations”.
These views have guided our assessment of the options to protect the Greater Southern Waterfront and Changi.
Today, I am pleased to share with you our coastal protection concepts for these two areas.
Greater Southern Waterfront
Let me begin with the Greater Southern Waterfront, which extends from Pasir Panjang to Marina East.
We are progressively transforming the Greater Southern Waterfront into a vibrant gateway for live, work and play.
Today, the Greater Southern Waterfront is already a vibrant blend of commercial spaces, homes, and parks. VivoCity, right here, is just one of them.
We plan to transform the Greater Southern Waterfront into a mixed-use waterfront precinct, alongside the rejuvenation of Sentosa and Brani Islands into a world-class leisure and tourism destination.
This includes the development of a continuous waterfront promenade that will seamlessly connect various places of interest in future.
We will be redeveloping the area in phases, starting with the former Pasir Panjang Power District, Keppel Club and Mount Faber in the next 5 to 10 years.
To complement the development of the waterfront promenade, we intend to build three coastal barriers that will connect Sentosa Island to the mainland – one to the west of Sentosa, and two to the east.
This will allow the public to still have access to the coastline and enjoy the beautiful sea view, which several participants had highlighted during the ‘Our Coastal Conversations’ sessions.
These barriers will have a series of gates across the water channel.
These gates will be closed during storm surge events and extreme high tide events to prevent coastal flooding, but will remain open otherwise.
This approach will also minimise the impact to the movement of marine vessels, as well as to the marine environment.
PUB will commence studies soon to determine the design of these barriers.
Proposed measures at Changi
Let me now share our plans for Changi.
To the world, Changi is synonymous with our world-class Changi Airport; to many Singaporeans, Changi is also a place rich with identity and nature.
From the unique marine life at Changi Beach Park, to the yummy nasi lemak and other local delights at Changi Village, to the ferry terminal at Changi Point connecting to Pulau Ubin, many Singaporeans have fond memories of the Changi area.
Along with the future Terminal 5, we plan to transform the Changi Region into a vibrant business and lifestyle destination, while retaining its rustic character and preserving its heritage.
To protect the Changi coastline, we will adopt a mix of coastal protection measures, including seawalls and tidal gates.
These measures will be set behind the beach, so that we can continue to enjoy access to the sea.
Where possible and feasible, we will raise the cycling paths along our shores so that they can also double up as our coastal defences.
Together with the upcoming “Long Island”, these measures will form a continuous line of defence along our Southeastern coastline.
Conclusion
As we confront the effects of climate change, coastal protection is a long-term national priority that will require careful planning, close partnership between the Government, public and the private sector, and sustained commitment over generations.
Today’s exhibition is an opportunity for all of us to understand the scale of the challenges ahead of us, as well as to imagine the exciting possibilities.
Let me take this opportunity to thank everyone who has participated in “Our Coastal Conversations”.
I encourage more Singaporeans to step forward and share your views on how we can work together to safeguard our island nation, reimagine our coasts, and keep Singapore a vibrant and liveable home for generations to come.
Thank you.
