Sun Nov 30 07:20:56 UTC 2025: Summary:
Climate activists disrupted operations at the Port of Newcastle, one of Australia’s largest coal export ports, for two days. The group Rising Tide claimed responsibility, stating that hundreds of activists paddled kayaks into the shipping lane. Vessel operations are expected to resume Monday. Over 100 protesters were arrested Sunday, with 21 charged with marine-related offenses. Greenpeace activists also participated by climbing onto a coal ship. Similar protests occurred last year, resulting in numerous arrests. The protests highlight the divisive issue of climate change in Australia, a major coal exporter committed to net-zero emissions by 2050.
News Article:
Climate Protests Halt Coal Exports at Major Australian Port
Newcastle, Australia – November 30, 2025 – Operations at the Port of Newcastle, a critical hub for Australian coal exports, were disrupted for two days this weekend by climate change protests. Activist group Rising Tide claimed responsibility for the action, which saw hundreds of protesters in kayaks blocking shipping lanes.
“Hundreds of activists paddled kayaks into the shipping lane of Newcastle Harbour on Sunday morning, violating an exclusion zone,” the group stated.
The protests forced the abortion of general cargo movements, including alumina destined for Australia’s largest aluminium smelter. Port authorities confirmed that vessel operations are scheduled to resume on Monday, December 1st.
Police have arrested over 100 protesters on Sunday alone, with 21 charged with alleged marine-related offenses. Greenpeace activists further escalated the protest by boarding a coal ship, halting its operation.
“Greenpeace, alongside Rising Tide and thousands of everyday people, are taking actions big and small this weekend,” said Joe Rafalowicz, head of climate and energy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific.
The disruption follows a similar protest on Saturday, where an inbound ship was forced to turn back, resulting in 11 arrests. This multi-day action echoes a larger demonstration last year that led to 170 arrests.
The protests highlight the ongoing tension surrounding Australia’s reliance on coal exports despite its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Coal and iron ore remain key commodity exports for the nation.
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