Marina Barrage :early morning with LX3

The Marina Barrage is a 350-meter wide dam that stretches across the Marina Channel linking reclaimed land Marina East & Marina South. Marina Barrage keeps the seawater out, making the Singapore River and Marina Bay/Basin a 10,000ha freshwater-catchment reservoir. Each of the nine hydraulic-operated crest gate of the dam is 28 meters tall, consisting of propeller pumps capable of pumping out excess water from the reservoir at a rate of 40m3/s.

This idea is conceived by the Minister Mentor of Singapore, 20 years ago. On 1st of November 2008, this idea is being translated into reality with a "3-in-1" benefit: (1) Water Supply, (2) Flood Control and (3) Lifestyle Attraction. As a "Water Supply" benefit, the Marina Basin contributes to Singapore's freshwater supply as the 15th catchment reservoir. As a "Flood Control" benefit, the Marina Barrage is part of a flood control scheme to alleviate flooding in the low-lying areas in the city such as Chinatown, Boat Quay, Jalan Besar and Geylang. As a "Lifestyle Attraction" benefit, the Marina Basin allows recreational activities such as dragon-boating, windsurfing, kayaking, etc. Along with the Esplanade, Suntec-Marina precint and Singapore Flyer, the Marina Bay transforms into an all-round entertainment nexus especially after the completion of the Marina Bay Sands intergrated resort. A Double-Helix Bridge will eventually link the Singapore Flyer to the Marina Bay Sands.

I was delighted to visit the Marina Barrage during the wee hours of the morning to capture a few shots with my Panasonic Lumix-LX3. The raved LX3 is definitely capable of delivering very usable night-shots hand-held without tripod. The chilly sea-breeze and the starry dark sky gives the Marina Barrage a completely different experience that many never did. After all, it is impossible to visit the Barrage at such a time since there is no public transport/shuttle. So thanks Ahmed!

Marina Barrage
:early morning with LX3

























Shot exclusively handheld from the legendary Panasonic Lumix-LX3.



Photography by William Tan
©William Tan 2008


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Comments

Anonymous said…
eh.. wat r u doing there at wee hours of the morning ar??? haha...

no security guards around ar? the area open 24 hours?
Laurens said…
ish nice......
WILLIAM TAN said…
actually quite a bit of ppl there at that time.
there are security guards, but the area is accessible 24 hours. It is the interiors that cannot be accessed at such ghostly hour.