NEA to pilot weekly ferry service for ash scattering at sea from 2027

About 82 per cent of people who die in Singapore are currently cremated, while ash scattering has become an increasingly popular alternative to keeping cremated remains.

Since inland ash scattering was introduced in 2021, the proportion of cremations involving ashes scattered at designated inland facilities has risen from about 7 per cent in 2022 – the first full year of operation – to about 12 per cent in 2025.

Singapore’s second inland ash scattering facility, the Garden of Serenity at Mandai North Crematorium, opened in August 2025.

A study on wake spaces conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies at the National University of Singapore also found substantial interest in ash scattering.

About 42 per cent of respondents said they preferred ash scattering, including 27 per cent who favoured scattering ashes at sea and 15 per cent who preferred inland ash scattering.

“These findings reflect sizeable interest in ash scattering as an alternative to storing cremated remains,” NEA said.

NEA deputy chief executive officer and director-general of public health Chew Ming Fai said: “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.”