Climate activists disrupt operations at Australia’s largest coal export hub, forcing multiple arrests and delaying shipping.
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| Climate protesters take to the water to block access to Newcastle coal port, demanding climate action at Horseshoe Beach on November 30, 2025, in Newcastle, Australia. Photo by Roni Bintang/Getty Images |
Operations at one of Australia’s largest coal export ports were set to resume on Monday after a Newcastle port climate protest disrupted shipping for a second consecutive day, the port operator confirmed. The protest highlights the growing tensions in Australia over climate policy and the nation’s reliance on coal exports.
The Port of Newcastle, located 170 kilometers north of Sydney in New South Wales, is the largest bulk shipping port on Australia’s east coast and a key node in the country’s coal industry. It was brought to a near standstill as climate activists paddled kayaks into the shipping lanes on Sunday morning, violating a designated exclusion zone in the harbor.
According to the climate activist group Rising Tide, hundreds of protesters participated in the demonstration, aiming to draw attention to Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and the broader climate crisis. “We are taking action because urgent climate measures are needed. Coal exports are driving global warming, and Australia must transition faster to renewable energy,” a spokesperson from Rising Tide said.
A port representative confirmed that “vessel operations will resume tomorrow as scheduled,” but noted that general cargo movements had been delayed on Sunday, including shipments of alumina bound for Tomago, Australia’s largest aluminum smelter.
Rising Tide reported that more than 100 activists were arrested during Sunday’s demonstration. Police have yet to confirm the exact number, although they stated that 21 people were charged with “alleged marine-related offences” related to the protest. On Saturday, a similar action forced an inbound coal ship to turn back, and 11 arrests were made.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific also participated, with three activists climbing aboard a coal vessel to prevent it from operating. “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. He emphasized that the protests were intended to be peaceful but aimed to disrupt coal shipping as a form of climate activism.
The multi-day demonstration echoes similar events from previous years. In 2024, a coordinated climate protest at Newcastle resulted in 170 arrests, demonstrating that activists have maintained sustained pressure on authorities and the coal industry to accelerate environmental reforms.
Coal is one of Australia’s top commodity exports, alongside iron ore. The Port of Newcastle plays a central role in transporting thermal and metallurgical coal to international markets, particularly in Asia. Disruptions to port operations can have ripple effects on global coal supply, shipping schedules, and trade revenues.
The protests underscore the tension between economic interests and climate advocacy in Australia. While coal remains a significant contributor to the national economy and employment, activists argue that the environmental and long-term climate costs outweigh the benefits.
Australia’s government has pledged to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, but critics argue that current policies are insufficient and that coal exports continue to undermine climate commitments. Officials have stressed the importance of maintaining port operations and ensuring safety in shipping lanes, warning that unlawful interventions could endanger both participants and maritime traffic.
A spokesperson for the Port of Newcastle stated: “We take safety very seriously. While we respect lawful protest, unauthorized entry into shipping lanes is dangerous and disrupts critical port operations. Authorities are working to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.”
Coal industry representatives also voiced concern over the protests, emphasizing the economic impact of delayed shipments and potential reputational damage. “The Port of Newcastle is a vital hub for global energy supply, and disruptions threaten jobs, contracts, and energy security,” an industry official said.
The Newcastle port climate protest reflects the intensifying climate debate in Australia, a country with one of the highest per-capita greenhouse gas emission rates in the world. Activists are increasingly targeting high-profile infrastructure and industrial sites to amplify the message of urgent climate action.
“This is not just about coal; it’s about forcing policymakers and corporations to recognize the climate emergency,” Rising Tide stated. “Every shipment delayed is a reminder that business-as-usual cannot continue if we are to avoid catastrophic climate change.”
Experts note that such protests are likely to continue as the urgency of climate change becomes more widely recognized and as the 2050 net-zero target approaches. Australia faces a difficult balancing act: phasing out fossil fuels to meet global climate commitments while sustaining economic growth and energy exports.
The protests have garnered widespread media coverage and social media attention, with hashtags related to climate activism trending locally. Supporters praised the activists for raising awareness and putting pressure on both government and industry leaders. Critics, however, condemned the disruption, highlighting safety concerns and potential economic consequences.
Local residents near Newcastle Harbor expressed mixed reactions. Some voiced support for climate action, citing environmental responsibility and the need to reduce emissions. Others expressed frustration with the disruptions, particularly the effect on shipping schedules and the potential financial impact on local businesses dependent on port activity.
As the Port of Newcastle prepares to resume operations on Monday, authorities face the ongoing challenge of balancing public safety, law enforcement, and the right to protest. Officials have warned that future breaches of shipping lanes or unauthorized boarding of vessels will be treated seriously under marine safety laws.
For climate activists, the events of the weekend represent a continued effort to push Australia toward more aggressive environmental policies. “Our actions may inconvenience some, but the stakes are too high to remain passive,” Rising Tide said in a statement.
Industry observers expect heightened security and monitoring at Newcastle and other major coal export ports in the near future. The protests are likely to serve as a model for similar demonstrations, highlighting both the rising profile of climate activism in Australia and the ongoing tension between economic interests and environmental responsibility.
The Newcastle port climate protest serves as a reminder that Australia’s energy future is at a crossroads, with urgent debates about coal, emissions, and the path toward sustainability set against the backdrop of global climate commitments.
