Singapore’s Pulau Tekong Polder project has marked a major step in the nation’s ongoing land development efforts. Reclaiming around 800 hectares, it is Singapore’s first polder, constructed by the Boskalis Penta Ocean Joint Venture for the Housing Development Board. The project introduces the innovative “empoldering” method, which creates new land by enclosing a low-lying area with a dike and draining water from within. This approach reduces the need for large amounts of fill material, lowering costs and environmental impact.
A stormwater collection pond was created inside the polder, and barges were deployed to deepen it. Once this phase was completed, the barges became landlocked and required complex extraction to return to sea for further operations.
Mammoet was selected to carry out the demanding retrieval and transport process. Twelve barges, each weighing between 680 and 990 tonnes, were recovered, moved across a newly built haul road and launched back into open water. The operation required careful planning and advanced equipment, including 68 airbags, four heavy winches, climbing jacks and SPMTs for controlled movement.
Working through challenging weather, Mammoet completed the work on schedule, supporting the continued progress of a project that will expand Singapore’s usable land.
“We take immense pride in our role within the Tekong Polder project. By leveraging our global expertise, we helped enhance Singapore’s geographical footprint,” said Anandan Lokantham, Sales Manager, Mammoet Projects AMEA.
