Australia’s Climate Protest Prevents Coal Ship From Entering Newcastle Harbour, 11 Arrested

A climate-change protest off the coast of Australia forced an inbound ship to turn back from the largest bulk shipping port on the country’s east coast, per the state government.

The Port of Newcastle, which is 170 kilometres from the state capital, Sydney, is known for coal exports.

The Police in New South Wales said that 11 people arrested were charged with marine-related offences.

A spokesperson for the port said that a ship was stopped from entering the facility, but otherwise, shipping movements have continued as normal.

Climate Activist Group Rising Tide said that the coal ship was prevented from arriving at the port after kayakers, people on boats and swimmers entered the shipping channel.

Due to the protest, NSW Police lost control of the channel, and the ship Cemtex Leader had to turn around.

Climate Change is a divisive issue in Australia, where coal is a major export commodity, along with iron ore.

Source: Maritime Shipping News