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If you missed Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s National Day Rally speech on Aug 17, 2025, one of the main highlights was the North redevelopment, namely Kranji, Sembawang Shipyard, and Woodlands. Here are the updates for the residential estates at the Sembawang Shipyard redevelopment:
Another area that will be redeveloped is the Sembawang Shipyard. PM Wong said there are loads of ways to creatively repurpose the space. He gave one example, suggesting that a dry dock—where they used to repair ships—could be turned into a community area for sports, concerts, or other events, or even just a big open plaza for people to meet up.
Sembawang Shipyard in the north of Singapore is slated for redevelopment.
PM Wong mentioned that there will be homes with waterfront living, along with new places to eat and shop, and new community areas all along the coastline. “When you put it all together, this can become a new vibrant waterfront destination in the north – rich in heritage, yet reimagined for the future,” PM Wong adds.
Sembawang Shipyard History
Sembawang Shipyard was first set up as a naval base by the British back in 1938, and then it was converted into a shipyard that officially opened in 1971. The URA announced in June that the shipyard will be moving from 2028 onwards.
The site was first established as the Sembawang Naval Base by the British in 1938. It was a massive undertaking, built to be a cornerstone of British naval power in the Far East, with a massive dry dock that was considered the largest in the world at the time. The naval base played a crucial role in the region’s defense and was a significant military asset.
During World War II, the base was captured by Japanese forces, who then used it as a repair facility. Following the war, it was returned to British control and continued to operate as a naval base for the Royal Navy.
In the late 1960s, as Britain withdrew its military forces from Singapore, ownership of the dockyard was transferred to the Singapore government. In 1968, it was converted into a commercial enterprise and became Sembawang Shipyard (Pte) Ltd. This marked a pivotal moment, as the shipyard began its new life contributing to Singapore’s growing maritime industry.
Sembawang Shipyard Moving to Tuas
Since its conversion, Sembawang Shipyard has been a major player in Singapore’s marine industry, providing ship repair and conversion services. The shipyard and its operations are now part of Seatrium, a company formed from the merger of Sembcorp Marine and Keppel Offshore & Marine.
Sembawang Shipyard Relocation
The shipyard’s operations are set to wind down and relocate to Tuas from 2028, freeing up the site for redevelopment. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has outlined plans to transform the area into a new mixed-use waterfront district, while preserving its rich maritime history.