Singapore will require coastal landowners and leaseholders to plan for sea-level rise of up to 2.15 metres by 2150 under new coastal protection rules, as the city-state steps up efforts to safeguard its shoreline against climate change and rising flood risks.
The requirements, detailed in an 80-page Code of Practice released by national water agency Public Utilities Board (PUB) on 17 June, will take effect from 2028 and apply to both public and private coastal landowners.
Under the rules, landowners with at least 30 years remaining on their leases must prepare coastal defence plans capable of protecting their properties against a potential 2.15-metre rise in sea levels by 2150 under a worst-case greenhouse gas emissions scenario.
Those with less than 30 years remaining on their leases will be required to plan for a 0.7-metre rise in sea levels by 2050 under a low-probability, worst-case ice melt scenario.
The code serves as a guide for complying with Singapore’s new coastal protection legislation, which will eventually require occupiers of coastal land to construct and maintain their own coastal defence measures.
Landowners that fail to implement required protections, or do not ensure a continuous line of coastal defence, could face fines and imprisonment under the new law, which will come into effect in 2028.
PUB noted it would hold additional engagement sessions with coastal landowners in the second half of 2026 to help them understand their obligations. The coastal protection law is expected to affect more than 100 coastal landowners.
“The CPCOP [Coastal Protection and Flood Resilience Code of Practice] represents a proactive step towards building a climate-resilient coastline,” PUB said in a statement. “By setting clear standards and encouraging adaptive planning, it ensures that coastal areas remain safe, functional, and sustainable for future generations.”
The government, which owns around 70 per cent of Singapore’s coastal land, will be responsible for protecting most coastline segments. The remaining 30 per cent is largely industrial land occupied by shipyards, ports and businesses in the oil and gas and manufacturing sectors, concentrated along the south-western and northern coastlines, including Jurong Island, Tuas, Pioneer and Senoko.
The code outlines design standards for seawalls, coastal slopes and other protective structures, as well as inspection and maintenance requirements over their lifespan.
While the sea-level rise benchmarks are set at 2.15 metres and 0.7 metres, the actual height of coastal defences may be significantly higher depending on local conditions, including storm surges, tides and wave action.
Singapore projects that average sea levels could rise by up to 1.15 metres by 2100. Combined with storm surges and high tides, water levels could reach as high as 5 metres during extreme events.
PUB said it would soon launch an online resource to help architects and engineers calculate the required height of coastal protection structures for specific locations.
The code requires coastal protection measures to remain functional for at least 120 years. Landowners must inspect and maintain their structures regularly and submit annual declarations to PUB confirming compliance.
Long-term landowners will be allowed to adopt a phased approach, initially building protection measures designed for a 0.7-metre sea-level rise before upgrading them over time to meet the 2.15-metre standard.
Occupiers will receive around 10 years’ notice before they are required to implement coastal protection measures, PUB said.
The framework also encourages neighbouring companies and agencies to collaborate on joint coastal defence systems spanning several kilometres, such as shared coastal slopes. PUB will allow joint declarations for such projects.
The code further sets out requirements for managing areas that may be allowed to flood temporarily during severe weather events. Facilities such as shipyards and ferry terminals that require direct sea access may use deployable flood barriers, including sliding gates and raised barriers, which must be ready for activation when coastal flooding is forecast.
Landowners of temporarily floodable areas will be required to submit flood response plans to PUB and conduct annual flood drills.
One site being studied for such an approach is Changi Beach Park, where authorities are considering a raised inland bund to preserve public access to the beach while providing protection against rising seas.
