Official website links end with .gov.sg
A Singapore Government Agency Website
Secure websites use HTTPS
No two sites share the same conditions and needs. That’s why we use a variety of measures, adapted to each need, from physical barriers that keep out the rising tides to measures that help to reduce wave energy.
Protection Against Coastal Floods
Coastal protection begins with the fundamentals: physical barriers that keep seawater out. Dykes, dams, and seawalls are structures that form the backbone of coastal defence, creating reliable barriers between rising seas and our communities.
A raised embankment, typically made of sand and clay, built along coastlines to keep out seawater.
Example: Dykes along the coastal reservoirs in Northwest Coast
Example: Kranji dam
Example: Seawall along the coast, in front of VivoCity
Example: Serangoon Tidal Gates and Punggol Tidal Gates
Example: The Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier in the Netherlands, the Thames Barrier in the United Kingdom
A deployable flood barrier is a non-static structure that is designed to be quickly mounted before a flood. It can be stored when not needed. A deployable barrier is especially useful for areas where a static structure is not practical, for instance at access points to jetties.
Example: HafenCity, in Hamburg, Germany
Land reclamation refers to the process of creating new land from water bodies to expand usable land area. When reclaimed to higher levels, the new land protects existing coastlines. Land reclamation projects are costly and require a lot of resources.
Example: The upcoming Long Island project
Land raising refers to the process of increasing the elevation of coastal land to act as a barrier against flooding. This requires careful planning to minimise the impact on the surrounding area.
Example: Changi Airport Terminal 5 is built to 5.5m above mean sea level
Reducing Wave Energy
Protecting Singapore’s shores by reducing wave energy is also important to maintain the coastal parks, infrastructure and natural habitats.
Example: Coney Island and Pulau Ubin
Example of nearshore parallel breakwater: Palawan Beach/Siloso/Tanjong Beach Sentosa or East Coast Park
A man-made mound structure which is placed either in intertidal or tidal habitats to support biodiversity and reduce the wave energy as waves approach the shore. Artificial reefs cannot be deployed alone and need to be paired with beaches or a submerged structure.
Example: Sisters’ Island Marine Park
A beach that is supported by a submerged structure, such as a breakwater, can reduce wave energy and erosion. This measure is adaptable, as the submerged structure can be widened or raised.
Example: Lazarus Island
Protection Against Coastal Floods
Coastal protection begins with the fundamentals: physical barriers that keep seawater out. Dykes, dams, and seawalls are structures that form the backbone of coastal defence, creating reliable barriers between rising seas and our communities.
A raised embankment, typically made of sand and clay, built along coastlines to keep out seawater.
Example: Dykes along the coastal reservoirs in Northwest Coast
Example: Kranji dam
Example: Seawall along the coast, in front of VivoCity
Example: Serangoon Tidal Gates and Punggol Tidal Gates
Example: The Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier in the Netherlands, the Thames Barrier in the United Kingdom
A deployable flood barrier is a non-static structure that is designed to be quickly mounted before a flood. It can be stored when not needed. A deployable barrier is especially useful for areas where a static structure is not practical, for instance at access points to jetties.
Example: HafenCity, in Hamburg, Germany
Land reclamation refers to the process of creating new land from water bodies to expand usable land area. When reclaimed to higher levels, the new land protects existing coastlines. Land reclamation projects are costly and require a lot of resources.
Example: The upcoming Long Island project
Land raising refers to the process of increasing the elevation of coastal land to act as a barrier against flooding. This requires careful planning to minimise the impact on the surrounding area.
Example: Changi Airport Terminal 5 is built to 5.5m above mean sea level
Reducing Wave Energy
Protecting Singapore’s shores by reducing wave energy is also important to maintain the coastal parks, infrastructure and natural habitats.
Example: Coney Island and Pulau Ubin
Example of nearshore parallel breakwater: Palawan Beach/Siloso/Tanjong Beach Sentosa or East Coast Park
A man-made mound structure which is placed either in intertidal or tidal habitats to support biodiversity and reduce the wave energy as waves approach the shore. Artificial reefs cannot be deployed alone and need to be paired with beaches or a submerged structure.
Example: Sisters’ Island Marine Park
A beach that is supported by a submerged structure, such as a breakwater, can reduce wave energy and erosion. This measure is adaptable, as the submerged structure can be widened or raised.
Example: Lazarus Island
In our “Coastal Protectors” game, you’ll protect Singapore against rising sea levels up till 2100. Choose the best measures for each area based on time, budget, and effectiveness. Apply appropriate strategies to balance land use and flood risk.
Think you can keep Singapore dry? Try out the game here on desktop or tablet devices.
