NATIONAL water agency PUB is exploring the use of emerging technologies for coastal protection. It is also conducting studies on the Republic’s coastlines to protect against rising sea levels.

PUB, which was appointed the nation's coastal protection agency in April 2020, on Monday (Apr 18) launched a request for proposals (RFP) on the use of emerging technologies in coastal protection measures.

These emerging technologies include machine learning, radar satellite and imagery, and crowdsourced data for the collection and analysis of coastal and inland datasets.

Funding for the RFP – which closes on Jul 15 at 4 pm – will come from the S$51 million allocated to PUB by the National Research Foundation in September 2021.

Separately, PUB has appointed Surbana Jurong to undertake a site-specific study to protect the Republic's north-west coast from rising sea levels. The group will study 24 km of the coastline from Tuas Checkpoint to Lim Chu Kang jetty.

This comprises mainly Tengeh, Poyan, Murai and Sarimbun reservoirs and military camps and training areas. Mangrove habitats are also present along some sections of the coastline.

Together with a previous study conducted on the City East-Coast in May 2021, the new study will help develop the measures needed to protect the 4 coastal reservoirs from seawater inundation. It will also help ensure the integrity of the reservoirs’ structures and reinforce them against sea level rises, Surbana Jurong said.

PUB is planning studies at Jurong Island and the remaining stretch of the north-west coast, which will start later this year. It is also developing a coastal-inland flood model that can assess the twin effects of coastal and inland flood risks.