Climate-action activists from Rising Tide — joined by members of Greenpeace Australia Pacific — have successfully prevented three coal ships from entering Australia’s Port of Newcastle, widely regarded as the world’s largest coal export port, as part of a large-scale protest over the weekend.
The demonstrators, launching kayaks, small boats and swimmers into the harbour waters — collectively dubbed the “people’s blockade” — forced inbound vessels to turn around. One of the struck ships, the bulk carrier Cemtex Leader, aborted entry after protesters entered the shipping channel.
At least one vessel was also boarded by activists, who scaled its hull and unfurled banners reading “Phase out coal and gas,” while painting slogans such as “TIMELINE NOW!” on its side.
Mass arrests — more than 140 detained
Authorities responded swiftly. As of late Sunday night, at least 141 people had been arrested over the course of the protest. Many face marine-related offences, including breaching an exclusion zone imposed around harbour waters.
On Saturday, police charged 11 activists after the first wave of disruption. More arrests followed on Sunday as the blockade expanded.
The exclusion zone, declared by state maritime authorities ahead of the protest, made entry into certain shipping channels illegal — any breach could lead to fines or more serious penalties under protest-law legislation.
Protesters’ demands: end coal exports by 2030
The blockade underscores growing frustration among climate activists over continued fossil-fuel exports by the national government despite international climate commitments. Rising Tide’s demands are bold:
- Immediate halt to all new coal and gas project approvals.
- A phase-out of coal exports from Newcastle by 2030.
- Introduction of a steep export-profits tax (proposed at 78%) to fund community transition, climate mitigation efforts, and redress climate-related damage.
Activists argue they are forced into direct action because traditional political channels have failed to deliver adequate climate policy. As one protester put it, “our government’s obsession with fossil fuels is harming people and killing our planet.”
Port authority warns of disruption; shipping resumes Monday
The Port Authority of NSW confirmed that multiple inbound vessels were delayed or turned away while the blockade was active. One statement described the risk of protester activity in shipping lanes as serious enough to warrant halting traffic temporarily.
Shipping at the port is expected to resume on Monday morning, once the marine exclusion zone lifts and police clear the harbour. Authorities say most disruptions have been resolved, but some logistical delays may persist.
Broader implications — clash between climate activism and coal economy
- For protesters, the blockade is a powerful demonstration of public pressure — signalling that climate change is no longer just a policy debate, but a battleground demanding immediate systemic change.
- For the coal industry and local economies, the protests highlight risks to export stability, reputational damage, and potential conflicts between economic interests and environmental responsibilities.
- For government and regulators, the events may prompt a reevaluation of how Australia balances its role as a major fossil-fuel exporter with international climate obligations.
What happens now
- Authorities are reviewing charges and may pursue prosecutions under marine-safety and anti-protest laws. Legal outcomes could shape future activism and enforcement approaches.
- Rising Tide and allied groups indicate the protest isn’t over — a “protestival” of music, workshops and rallies remains scheduled until the exclusion zone ends on Monday morning.
- The public and media reaction in the coming days will likely influence political and investor pressure regarding Australia’s coal export policies and broader climate commitments.
