Starting in 2028, Singaporean coastal landowners holding leases with at least 30 years remaining must implement defense plans capable of shielding against a 2.15m sea level rise by 2150. Those with shorter lease terms are required to prepare for a 0.7m rise, the projected 2050 increase under a worst-case ice melt scenario, according to the Code of Practice on Coastal Protection released by the government on June 17.
The 80-page rulebook establishes a regulatory framework for both public and private entities to ensure a continuous, watertight line of coastal defense. While the government owns 70 per cent of the nation’s coastline, the remaining 30 per cent — primarily consisting of shipyards, ports, and industrial zones in areas like Jurong Island, Tuas, and Senoko — falls under the new requirements. Failure to maintain these defenses could result in fines or imprisonment, according to the guidelines.
The 2.15m projection for 2150 is based on a worst-case greenhouse gas emissions scenario. However, the rulebook clarifies that required protection heights are not static; they must account for site-specific factors including storm surges, tides, and waves, which could push total sea level impacts up to 5m.
How landowners will manage construction
The government is offering flexibility in how these defenses are implemented to avoid placing an immediate, heavy financial burden on companies. According to the document, landowners may choose between a single-step construction approach or an incremental strategy that builds toward the 2150 target in stages. David Ng, chairman of the civil and structural technical committee at the Institution of Engineers, Singapore, noted that firms would likely favor the incremental approach to spread out investment costs as sea levels rise.
To support engineers and architects, the national water agency PUB will provide an online resource to calculate structure heights for specific coastal segments. Additionally, neighbouring companies may collaborate to construct joint defenses, such as extended coastal slopes, by submitting a single joint declaration to the agency.
The emphasis on “watertight” interlocking defenses highlights the inherent risk of a fragmented coastal policy. By mandating that private industrial landowners coordinate their boundaries, the government is effectively treating the entire coastline as a singular, interconnected system rather than a collection of individual property parcels. The shift from voluntary maintenance to a legal, enforceable requirement marks a significant change in how Singapore manages long-term environmental risk.
What happens next
Landowners will have approximately 10 years of notice before the requirements become fully enforceable. PUB is scheduled to host further engagement sessions in the second half of 2026 to clarify individual obligations under the new law, which is expected to impact more than 100 coastal landowners. Sites that require sea access, such as ferry terminals or shipyards, will be permitted to use deployable barriers like sliding gates, provided they are maintained and activated during severe weather events.
For areas like Changi Beach Park, where temporary flooding may be managed rather than blocked, owners must submit formal flood response plans and conduct annual emergency drills. The Code of Practice itself remains a living document; Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu stated that it will be updated periodically to reflect the latest technological advancements and climate science projections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for the majority of Singapore’s coastal protection?
The Government owns 70 per cent of the coastal land and will be responsible for protecting the majority of these segments, according to the rulebook.
What happens if a landowner fails to build or maintain defenses?
Failure to build required measures or maintain a continuous line of defense against rising seas could result in a fine and a jail term for the owner or occupant.
Are all coastal structures required to be 2.15m high?
No. The required height depends on the specific location, taking into account sea level rise, storm surges, tides, and waves, according to the published guidelines.
Are you prepared for the 10-year transition period leading up to the 2028 implementation of these new coastal defense standards?