As cremations rise, Singapore to pilot ferry service for scattering ashes at sea from 2027
OCTOBER 12 — The National Environment Agency (NEA) will launch a two-year pilot ferry service for the scattering o...
The National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore announced plans to pilot a ferry service for scattering cremated remains at sea in 2027, responding to the increasing demand for after-death services. As the country's population ages, the number of cremations is expected to rise from 26,500 in 2025 to around 40,000 by 2040, according to NEA.
Currently, about 82% of deceased individuals in Singapore are cremated, with inland ash scattering gaining popularity since its introduction in 2021. In 2025, 12% of cremations involved scattering ashes at inland facilities, up from 7% in 2022. A survey conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies at the National University of Singapore found that 42% of respondents preferred scattering ashes at sea.
The ferry service will operate weekly from the Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal under the management of an appointed operator. Multiple groups will be allowed on each vessel for cost-effectiveness, with a $50 fee per application. NEA will monitor the service's uptake and gather feedback for long-term viability. The agency plans to release more details about the pilot, including the ash scattering site, booking process, and procedures, before its launch in 2027.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
