Politics · Other · 1 hr ago
Singapore to pilot weekly sea scattering of cremated remains from 2027
Singapore plans to let families scatter cremated remains at sea through a two-year pilot starting in the second half of 2027.
The National Environment Agency will run weekly ferry trips from Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal, with an operator it appoints.
Each application will cost $50, and multiple groups can travel on one ferry.
The service is intended to offer a more accessible option as interest in ash scattering grows.
About 82 per cent of people who die in Singapore are cremated, and the share of cremated remains scattered at inland facilities rose from about 7 per cent in 2022 to about 12 per cent in 2025.
During the pilot, the agency will track demand and gather feedback to assess whether the service should continue long term.
It will announce the scattering site, booking arrangements and procedures before operations begin.
Singapore will launch a two-year pilot in the second half of 2027 allowing families to scatter cremated remains at sea.
The National Environment Agency said the pilot responds to growing demand for ash scattering as cremation numbers rise.
A ferry service will run weekly from Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal and accommodate multiple groups on each vessel.
Each application will cost S$50.
The agency will monitor uptake and gather feedback to assess the service’s long-term viability.
- Who
- Singapore’s National Environment Agency will launch the pilot; families will be able to use the service.
- What
- A two-year pilot will offer weekly ferry trips for scattering cremated remains at sea.
- When
- It is due to begin in the second half of 2027.
- Where
- The ferry service will depart from Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal. The pilot ash scattering site has not been announced.
- Why
- The agency said the pilot responds to growing demand and will help it assess the service’s long-term viability.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
As needs and preferences evolve, we are committed to providing more options for people making after-death arrangements for their loved ones.
This pilot will make the scattering of ashes at sea more accessible, while allowing us to better understand demand and shape the service to meet their needs.
The growing preference for ash scattering has prompted NEA to explore additional options to meet public needs.
Inland ash scattering was introduced in Singapore.
About 7 per cent of cremations were followed by scattering at inland ash scattering facilities.
Singapore’s second inland ash scattering facility, the Garden of Serenity, opened.
About 12 per cent of cremations were followed by inland ash scattering.
NEA announced the sea-scattering pilot.
The two-year pilot is scheduled to begin.
- Pilot duration
- Two years
- Scheduled start
- Second half of 2027
- Ferry frequency
- Weekly
- Departure point
- Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal
- Application fee
- S$50
- Inland ash scattering share
- About 12 per cent of cremations in 2025
Sources
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