Activists scale ship in an attempt to block the world’s biggest coal port

Several arrests and charges have been made by police as the protest unfolds.

More than 10 people have been charged after activists paddled out to to a harbour to block the world’s largest coal port. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Activists have scaled a ship calling for an end to coal and gas projects, as several people have been charged after an attempt to block the world’s largest coal port.

Thousands of people gathered at Newcastle’s Horseshoe Beach on Saturday, paddling out into the harbour to protest Australia’s coal exports.

Greenpeace Australia Pacific activists have scaled a coal ship and secured themselves to the anchor chain on its sides.

A banner demanding a timeline to phase out fossil fuels and stop approving new coal and gas projects was unfurled along the ship on Sunday.

It comes after police arrested and charged 11 people with alleged marine-related offences on Saturday as the blockade, organised by Rising Tide, unfolded.

A marine exclusion zone was put in place as of Friday and will run until Monday morning, with police earlier warning they would take a zero‑tolerance approach to anyone breaching the zone.

Thousands of people gathered at Newcastle’s Horseshoe Beach on Saturday, paddling out into the harbour to protest Australia’s coal exports. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Authorities said the zone was introduced to ensure safety and maintain shipping movements in and out of the busy channel.

Flotillas were launched despite this as activists pushed for an end to coal and gas expansion, with Rising Tide claiming to have forced a coal ship to turn around.

Activists next to an ‘exclusion zone’ sign. Picture: NewsWire Handout

The police presence has continued into Sunday. Picture: NewsWire Handout

The action, set to continue through Sunday, marks the group’s third blockade of the port.

Rising Tide organiser Zack Schofield earlier demanded that no new coal mines be approved by the Prime Minister.

“We congratulate the Prime Minister on his marriage. Now it’s time for him to divorce the Minerals Council and the coal industry and stop approving new coal mines,” Mr Schofield said.

Police were spotted at the Rising Tide protest on Saturday. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Rallies and concerts were put on in addition to the protest action, with organisers securing Aussie band Lime Cordiale to perform at their Climate Concert on Saturday.

Frontman Oli Leimbach said it’s “time to phase out coal and gas”.

“Rising Tide’s Climate Concert last night was such a beautiful festival; so many passionate people came together in a peaceful way to demand change from the government,” Mr Leimbach said in a statement.

“By taking action today, we added another little exclamation mark on their voices. Stoked to be here with Greenpeace — it’s time to phase out coal and gas.”

A Port of Newcastle spokesperson said “vessel scheduling will continue over the weekend”.

“We are committed to working with NSW Police, Port Authority of NSW, and other port operators to ensure the safe passage and protection of all cargo types,” the spokesperson said.

Originally published as Activists scale ship in an attempt to block the world’s biggest coal port