Fresh from returning from its first-round-the-world voyage, the Jurong class of HDBs ships have received glowing reviews from its homeowners. Nine of the floating housing developments left Singapore in October last year, visiting 12 ports as it made its way around the globe before returning home.

“At first, there were fears that rough seas would give us headaches, but the ship’s warp stabilisers really minimises the roll when we are sailing,” said Mr Tan, 34, an accountant. The father of three lives onboard the lead ship HDB Jurong, and works for audit firm KPMG, one of the 58 companies with offices onboard.

“Working isn’t too much of a trouble as we have satellite internet. We keep in touch with our loved ones with video streaming daily, so it's like we’re back home anyway.”

For his neighbour and graphic designer Tulika Devi, however, the best part about living on the new ships is the flexibility that it offers. “Well, I’m not missing the jams on the mainland, for one. And I get to work from home everyday.”

Largest floating platforms in the world

The HDB Jurong class of ships are the largest floating platforms to ever be built in the world. Each spans 500 metres in length, is 100 metres wide and is made with 360,000 tones of steel. A single ship can house 15,000 people, including crew, and is powered by a combination of wind, solar and nuclear energy.

A crew of farmers, engineers, doctors and other staff keep the ships entirely self-sufficient.

The floating HDBs were first conceptualised by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) to tackle Singapore's rising population and yet address their expectations under Phase Two of the Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS). Minister of National Development Lionel Tan commissioned the project in 2026.

“The sea levels are rising due to Global Warming and our population is increasing. These new floating HDBs offer Singaporeans a new and exciting way of living, while taking pressures of the mainland,” he said at the welcome ceremony for the ships on Monday.