Australia Climate Protests Halt Coal Exports at Newcastle Port; 21 Arrests Amid Shipping Disruption

Climate Activists Disrupt Australian Coal Port Operations, 21 Arrested

Climate activists have once again caused significant disruption at Australia's vital Port of Newcastle, a major hub for coal exports, resulting in 21 arrests. This marks the second consecutive day of protests aimed at halting shipping operations in the harbour.

Details of the Protest Action

The demonstration on Sunday saw hundreds of activists from the group Rising Tide, alongside supporters from Greenpeace Australia Pacific, deploying kayaks into the shipping lanes of Newcastle Harbour. Their actions effectively brought port operations to a standstill, preventing vessels from entering or leaving the facility.

Impact on Port Operations and Arrests

According to a spokesperson for the Port of Newcastle, general cargo movements were aborted due to the protest, specifically noting interruptions to alumina shipments bound for the Tomago aluminium smelter, Australia's largest. Earlier in the day, safety concerns arising from the activists in the water compelled authorities to deny a coal ship entry to the port.

Police confirmed the arrest of 21 individuals on Sunday, who now face charges related to marine offences. Greenpeace Australia Pacific highlighted their direct involvement, stating that three of their activists boarded a coal ship near the port, successfully preventing its operation as part of the “peaceful protest.” Joe Rafalowicz, Greenpeace Australia Pacific's head of climate and energy, emphasized the joint efforts, stating, “Greenpeace, alongside Rising Tide and thousands of everyday people, are taking actions big and small this weekend.”

Broader Context and Previous Incidents

This latest protest follows a similar incident on Saturday, where a separate demonstration at Newcastle forced an inbound ship to turn back and led to 11 arrests. The region has a history of such climate actions, with a multi-day event last year seeing 170 protesters apprehended. The Port of Newcastle, located approximately 170 km (110 miles) north of Sydney, is the largest bulk shipping port on Australia's east coast. Climate change remains a deeply divisive issue in Australia, a nation that relies heavily on coal as one of its primary commodity exports, alongside iron ore. Despite these economic ties, the Australian government has publicly committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.