Families can scatter ashes at sea via NEA ferry pilot from 2027从2027年起，家属可以通过国家环境局的渡轮试点项目将骨灰撒入大海。
The National Environmental Agency (NEA) will launch a two-year pilot ferry service for the scattering of cremated remains at sea in the second half of 2027, it said on Monday (Oct 12).The pilot is being introduced in response to growing demand for ash scattering as the number of cremations in Singapore rises."As Singapore’s population ages, demand for after-death services is...
The National Environmental Agency (NEA) will launch a two-year pilot ferry service for the scattering of cremated remains at sea in the second half of 2027, it said on Monday (Oct 12).
The pilot is being introduced in response to growing demand for ash scattering as the number of cremations in Singapore rises.
"As Singapore’s population ages, demand for after-death services is expected to grow," the agency stated.
The ferry service will take place weekly from Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal, under the management of an operator appointed by NEA.
Multiple groups will be allowed to board each vessel for cost-effectiveness. A fee of $50 per application applies, NEA said.
The agency will monitor uptake of the service and gather feedback to assess the service's long-term viability.
More details on the pilot ferry service, including the ash scattering site, booking arrangements and procedures, will be released ahead of its launch in 2027.
The agency also shared that annual deaths are expected to increase from 26,500 in 2025 to about 40,000 by 2040.
Currently, around 82 per cent of deaths in Singapore result in cremation, with growing take-up of ash scattering inland since the option was introduced in 2021.
The proportion of families who choose ash scattering at inland facilities stood at 12 per cent in 2025, up from seven per cent in 2022.
According to findings from the Study on Wake Spaces conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies at the National University of Singapore, around 42 per cent of respondents indicated a preference for ash scattering.
As for the type of ash scattering, 27 per cent shared their preference for ash scattering at sea, while 15 per cent preferred utilising inland facilities.
At present, the agency has been expanding capacity across government-managed facilities, such as the opening of The Garden of Serenity at Mandai North Crematorium in August 2025.
The Garden of Serenity is Singapore's second inland ash scattering facility amid the growing preference for ash scattering.
NEA deputy chief executive officer and director-general of public health Chew Ming Fai said that as needs and preferences evolve, the agency is 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."
khooyihang@asiaone.com
国家环境局（NEA）周一（10月12日）表示，将于2027年下半年启动为期两年的试点渡轮服务，用于将火化后的骨灰撒入大海。
随着新加坡火葬数量的增加，骨灰撒葬的需求也日益增长，因此推出了这项试点计划。
该机构表示：“随着新加坡人口老龄化，对身后服务的需求预计将会增长。”
渡轮服务将每周从巴西班让渡轮码头出发，由国家环境局指定的运营商管理。
为节省成本，每艘船将允许多个团体登船。新加坡国家环境局表示，每次申请需缴纳50美元费用。
该机构将监测服务的使用情况并收集反馈意见，以评估该服务的长期可行性。
有关试点渡轮服务的更多详情，包括骨灰撒放地点、预订安排和程序，将在 2027 年正式推出前公布。
该机构还表示，预计每年的死亡人数将从 2025 年的 26,500 人增加到 2040 年的约 40,000 人。
目前，新加坡约有 82% 的死亡案例采用火葬，自 2021 年引入骨灰撒葬选项以来，选择在内陆地区撒葬的人数不断增加。
到 2025 年，选择在内陆设施撒骨灰的家庭比例为 12%，高于 2022 年的 7%。
根据新加坡国立大学政策研究所开展的“遗体空间研究”的结果，约 42% 的受访者表示更喜欢撒骨灰。
至于骨灰撒放方式，27% 的人表示他们更喜欢在海上撒放骨灰，而 15% 的人则更喜欢利用内陆设施。
目前，该机构一直在扩大政府管理设施的容量，例如将于 2025 年 8 月在万代北火葬场开设宁静花园。
随着骨灰撒葬方式越来越受欢迎，宁静花园成为新加坡第二个内陆骨灰撒葬设施。
新加坡国家环境局副局长兼公共卫生总监周明辉表示，随着需求和偏好的变化，该机构致力于为“为亲人安排身后事的人们提供更多选择”。
“这项试点计划将使海葬更加便捷，同时让我们更好地了解需求，并调整服务以满足他们的需求。”
khooyihang@asiaone.com