Families will be able to book ferry services from NEA to scatter ashes at sea
The National Environment Agency (NEA) will pilot a weekly ferry service for families to scatter ashes at sea.
This will start in the second half of 2027.
Source: Jnzl on Flickr
The ferry service will run weekly from Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal.
NEA aims for the service to be a “cost-effective alternative for families seeking more accessible sea scattering options.”
Each service will accommodate multiple families and will also require an application fee of S$50.
More families choosing alternatives to storage of remains
NEA decided to pilot this service after the positive response to the introduction of inland ash scattering (IAS), which was first introduced in 2021.
Source: NEA
The proportion of families choosing IAS after cremation rose from 7% to 12% from 2022 to 2025.
Since August 2025, NEA has been running two facilities to support IAS services.
Findings from the Study on Wake Spaces conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) at the National University of Singapore support this trend.
NEA’s decision to provide sea scattering services is based on the report data showing that “about 42% of respondents indicated a preference for ash scattering, comprising 27% who preferred sea scattering”
Mr Chew Ming Fai, NEA Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Director-General Public Health, shared that people’s needs and preferences will continue to evolve.
He added: “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.”
Further details
NEA will monitor uptake and gather feedback to assess the long-term viability of the pilot over a two-year period.
They will release more details on the pilot ferry services ahead of the commencement of operations in 2027.
This includes the pilot ash scattering site, booking arrangements and procedures.
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Featured image adapted from Embrace Funeral Services for illustration purposes only.
