Climate change demonstration in Australia disrupts shipping operations at coal port; 21 individuals apprehended.
A climate change demonstration off Australia’s east coast on Sunday interrupted operations at one of the nation’s largest coal export ports, resulting in 21 arrests. This marked the second protest in two days that stopped cargo at the Port of Newcastle.
The climate activist organization Rising Tide, which took credit for the event, reported that hundreds of demonstrators in kayaks entered the shipping route of Newcastle Harbour on Sunday morning local time.
The port, located 170 km (110 miles) north of the state capital Sydney, is the largest bulk shipping port on Australia’s east coast, a country where climate change is a contentious topic.
A representative for the Port of Newcastle stated, “General cargo movements are currently being halted due to disruptions caused by protesters,” noting that the transport of alumina destined for Australia’s largest aluminium smelter, Tomago, is “now being interrupted.”
A coal vessel was previously refused admission to the port owing to safety concerns stemming from demonstrators in the sea, according to the spokeswoman.
Authorities announced that 21 individuals were apprehended and booked on Sunday with purported marine-related offenses during the demonstration.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific reported that three of its activists ascended a coal ship at the port, halting its operations as part of a “peaceful protest.”
Joe Rafalowicz, head of climate and energy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, stated, “Greenpeace, in collaboration with Rising Tide and thousands of ordinary individuals, is undertaking actions both significant and minor this weekend.”
On Saturday, a demonstration in Newcastle compelled an incoming vessel to reverse course, resulting in 11 arrests by the police. A comparable multi-day climate demonstration transpired last year, resulting in the detention of 170 demonstrators.
Coal ranks among Australia’s largest commodities exports, alongside iron ore. The Australian government has pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.