SINGAPORE – To address rising sea levels due to climate change, a new research institute has been launched to develop innovative, multi-functional coastal protection and flood management solutions for Singapore’s coastlines and to build local expertise.

The Straits Times looks at the goals of the new Coastal Protection and Flood Resilience Institute (CFI) Singapore and some of the projects that the centre will embark on.

Goals of CFI Singapore

Conduct coastal science research

• To study the impact of climate change on coastal process such as wind waves, storm surge levels and astronomical tides, and on coastal protection structures.

Monitor and predict the coastal environment

• Enhance prediction systems for coastal processes, rainfall and water run-off.

Integrate nature-based solutions

• This includes mangroves, seagrasses and corals, with various man-made structures like sea walls to shore up coastal protection.

Develop innovative engineering solutions

• Create multi-functional solutions for Singapore’s coastal environment. For example, the Marina Barrage not only serves as a dam for flood control but is also a source of fresh water and a recreational space.

CFI has begun its work on nine projects so far, here’s a look at some of the projects

Retrofit existing coastal protection structures

• Modular, watertight units can be added on top of existing coastal protection structures such as seawalls to better guard against sea level rise.
• PUB is working with Delta Marine Consultants to explore the use of modular blocks known as XblocPlus along Singapore’s coastlines.

Flexible sea walls

• Seawalls are designed to protect land and infrastructure from erosion caused by waves and tides.
• A flexible sea wall with adjustable height can be installed to address uncertainties in sea level rise.

Testing existing hybrid protection solutions

Mangroves and rock revetments

• Natural ecosystems like mangroves can be harnessed to keep pace with rising sea levels as their tangled roots can trap sediments brought in by the tides.
• They can therefore supplement man-made structures like rock revetments to prevent coastal erosion and reduce the force of waves.
• If found to be effective, these hybrid solutions can reduce the extent of infrastructure needed.

Perched beach

• A submerged breakwater, comprising rock bunds and sand is constructed to create a beach.
• The underwater structure can reduce wave energy on the beach, while seagrass habitats can help to trap sediment on the seafloor, thus preventing coastal erosion.
• The perched beach also helps to disperse water and control erosion.

Mangrove planters

• A study conducted jointly by researchers at the University of Melbourne and NUS found that planting pods placed at the Chek Jawa Wetlands on Pulau Ubin were able to increase the survival rates of mangrove seedlings.
• These planters can protect mangrove seedlings from strong currents.
• The planters can be reused once the mangroves have established a strong root system.

Site-specific studies

Singapore’s coastlines have been divided into eight different segments for site-specific studies of coastal protection measures. Here’s a look at the progress:

• The research findings by the CFI will help guide the coastal protection solutions that Singapore could implement. This will be done in phases, from around 2030, starting with the City-East Coast area.

Correction note: In a previous version of the story, it was stated that the mean sea level in Tanjong Pagar in 2022 was 7.23m. The relevant authorities have highlighted that the figure, which is taken from the Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level website, is not accurate. It should be about 0.2m instead.