15th September 2002
 

The Merlion statue standing at 8.6m was unveiled on September 15, 1972, by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

With the completion of the Esplanade Bridge in 1997, the current position of the Merlion statues could no longer be viewed clearly from the waterfront. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) decided to relocate the statues to a new pier specifically built on the other of the Esplanade Bridge, overlooking Marina Bay. The move started on April 23, 2002.

Source: Straits Times
 

We were tasked with relocating the 70T Merlion using our 500T Mobile Crane (Demag AC 1600). The Merlion was lifted with its base underpinned by a 20T Caged lifting system that was designed for safe barge transport and multiple lifting operations, including lifting over the Esplanade bridge. 

Source: Straits Times

 

The Merlion was reinstated intact in its new prescribed position and orientation. The relocation of the Merlion started on 25 April and ended on 28 April, 2002.

Source: Straits Times

 

Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew unveiled the statue at its new spot at One Fullerton on September 15, 2002, in a simple ceremony that also celebrated the Merlion’s 30th birthday. In its new location, the Merlion Statue faces east as it did in the old location, which is believed to be an auspicious orientation that brings prosperity.