Singapore, 17 June 2026 - PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency has completed the development of the Code of Practice on Coastal Protection (CPCOP), which sets out the planning, design, operations, inspection, and maintenance requirements for coastal protection measures. Developed in consultation with professional bodies and industry associations, the CPCOP will guide landowners and the industry in fulfilling their coastal protection obligations under the Sewerage, Drainage and Coastal Protection Act (SDCPA)1.
2 The CPCOP complements the existing Code of Practice on Surface Water Drainage, which governs stormwater management. Together, both documents will play a critical role in strengthening Singapore’s flood resilience.
Code of Practice on Coastal Protection
3 The key features of CPCOP include:
• Ensuring coastal protection measures are designed with adaptability to cater for future climate projections, including sea level rise;
• Establishing clear requirements on coastal protection levels and design standards to ensure a continuous line of defence along the Absolute Protection Boundary (APB);
• Requiring regular inspection and maintenance to uphold structural integrity over time;
• Setting out guidelines for coastal deployable barriers, including their operational use and monitoring.
Planning and design stage
4 The CPCOP requirements will cater for future climate projections. Coastal protection measures can be implemented incrementally or as a single build, providing flexibility for landowners to adapt over time. All landowners of prescribed places2 under the SDCPA shall ensure that their coastal protection measures meet the stipulated Coastal Protection Level, which protects against both permanent and transient coastal flooding.
5 There are performance standards to ensure that all measures are structurally sound and hydraulically resilient. The CPCOP will also stipulate requirements for the interfacing between adjoining coastal protection measures, ensuring continuity and watertightness along the APB.
Inspection and maintenance
6 Upon completion of their coastal protection measures, landowners of prescribed places are responsible for ensuring that these measures remain safe, functional and effective over time. This includes establishing and implementing a maintenance regime and carrying out the necessary inspections. Given that coastal protection measures are exposed to persistent coastal conditions, regular upkeep is essential to ensure they continue to perform as intended. Owners are also required to make annual declarations to PUB confirming that all inspection and maintenance requirements have been met.
Coastal deployable barriers
7 Where static coastal protection measures (e.g., seawalls and embankments) cannot be implemented along the Absolute Protection Boundary due to waterfront operational needs, landowners of prescribed places may consider the use of coastal deployable barriers3. Given the greater operational risks associated with deployable barriers, there will be stringent requirements to govern the use. Landowners must satisfy the conditions4 for usage and approval must be sought from PUB in advance. These requirements ensure that barriers can be deployed ahead of potential coastal flooding events and function effectively.
Looking Ahead
8 With the Coastal Protection Bill passed in March 2026, coastal landowners are now responsible for implementing and owning coastal protection measures within their land plots, in compliance with the CPCOP. The CPCOP represents a proactive step towards building a climate-resilient coastline. By setting clear standards and encouraging adaptive planning, it ensures that coastal areas remain safe, functional and sustainable for future generations.
9 PUB has been engaging relevant stakeholders, including professional bodies, industry associations and potentially affected landowners on the CPCOP since 2025. Further engagement sessions will be held in the second half of 2026 to help stakeholders understand the requirements. The CPCOP will take effect from 2028. For more information, please visit Codes of Practice and Standard Drawings | PUB, Singapore's National Water Agency.
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Footnotes:
[1] The existing Sewerage and Drainage Act will be renamed the SDCPA, following the passing of the Coastal Protection Bill in March 2026. More details on the Bill here.
[2] SDCPA sets out four categories of prescribed places: (i) Absolute Protection Boundary (APB), (ii) Transiently Floodable Areas (Coastal) (TFA(C)), (iii) Sheltered Structures within TFA(C), and (iv) Nearshore and Offshore Structures.
[3] Examples of coastal deployable barriers include swing gate, flip-up barrier, raised barrier and sliding gate.
[4] Coastal deployable barriers may be used if all the following conditions are satisfied: (i) landowner/Qualified Person is able to demonstrate that there is an operational need (e.g., operations related to maritime transport, logistics and services), (ii) it is proposed for a development that is existing, and (iii) the proposed barrier is fully or partially pre-installed.
