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Image: Shell Energy Singapore
🎥 Watch this reel to find out more about Pulau Bukom!
#DidYouKnow? One of Singapore's most important industrial islands is named after a seashell?
Shaped like a cone snail, or rangkek bukom in Malay, Pulau Bukom is located 5.5km southwest of mainland Singapore and home to Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Singapore.
Identified for its strategic location, proximity to Jurong Island, and natural resources, Pulau Bukom has a rich industrial history that dates back to 1891 when the first petroleum tank depot was set up.
Today, it stands as Shell’s only Energy and Chemicals Park in Asia. It is integral to Singapore's energy and chemical industries, as well as the nation’s status as a major global trading and manufacturing hub.
Since the 2010s, Shell has been progressively working towards greater sustainability, including the production of low-carbon energy products such as biofuels and the provision of renewable energy. Shell is also playing a pioneering role in the electrification of transport, with the launch of Singapore’s first fully electric ferry service in 2023, which is expected to cut more than 6,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. This shift is not just industrial, it reflects Singapore’s broader commitment to a low-carbon, resilient economy under the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
Today, many workers reside on Pulau Bukom or commute there by ferry from the Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal. Besides oil processing plants, there are also many other facilities like a mosque, a Hindu temple and even badminton courts!
Pulau Bukom’s evolution from an oil depot to a green-energy island is a symbol of Singapore’s adaptive spirit, showing us that transformation is possible. It reminds us that sustainability isn’t about starting from scratch, it’s about innovating on what already exists.
In a world facing climate crises, rising sea levels, and resource scarcity, Pulau Bukom is a hopeful reminder that even the most industrialised places can become greener, smarter, and more resilient. What would it look like if we approached our lives the same way? Whether it’s reducing waste, using cleaner energy, or simply rethinking our daily habits, how would you choose to make a difference?
Note: The island is off limits to the general public.
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