Climate Activists Block Coal Ship at Newcastle Port: 11 Arrested in Flotilla Protest
In a dramatic escalation of climate action, dozens of activists from the group Rising Tide launched a flotilla of kayaks, small boats, and swimmers yesterday, Saturday, November 29, 2025, successfully preventing a coal ship from entering Newcastle Harbour, the world’s largest coal export port, in New South Wales, Australia.
Rising Tide image from website
Climate Activists Block Coal Ship at Newcastle Port: 11 Arrested in Flotilla Protest
In a dramatic escalation of climate action, dozens of activists from the group Rising Tide launched a flotilla of kayaks, small boats, and swimmers yesterday, Saturday, November 29, 2025, successfully preventing a coal ship from entering Newcastle Harbour, the world’s largest coal export port, in New South Wales, Australia.
Australia’s fossil fuel addiction
Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of coal and gas. The emissions from these exports dwarf our domestic climate pollution. The Port of Newcastle is the biggest coal port in the world, and Australia’s single largest contributor to the climate crisis.
The action was part of the group’s annual “People’s Blockade” and saw thousands of people gather for what organizers described as the largest climate mobilisation in Australia this year.
Rising Tide image from website
Harbour Blockade and Arrests
The central event of the protest involved hundreds of people paddling into the harbour in an attempt to block the shipping channel, despite the New South Wales government imposing a marine exclusion zone over the area from Friday until Monday morning.
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The protest focused on the inbound vessel, the coal ship Cemtex Leader, which was reportedly forced to turn around after activists, including kayakers and swimmers, breached the exclusion zone and entered the shipping channel.
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NSW Police, who had announced a “zero-tolerance approach,” arrested and charged 11 people with alleged marine-related offences as of Saturday afternoon.5 Rising Tide, however, claimed 19 arrests had been made, with some later released without charge, including members of the Knitting Nannas.
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Those charged face potential fines up to $1,100 for entering the marine exclusion zone, while some could face charges under anti-protest laws carrying a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment.
Australian Greens leader Senator Larissa Waters was among those participating in the flotilla, posting a video on social media showing her paddling with other protesters.
Demands and Context
Organised by the climate activist group Rising Tide, the multi-day event, dubbed a “protestival,” included rallies, a concert, and workshops alongside the direct action.9 The protesters’ core demands are:
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An end to new coal and gas project approvals.
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A fair transition for workers and communities away from fossil fuels.
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A 78% tax on fossil fuel export profits to fund the community-led transition.
The Port of Newcastle handles approximately 150 million tonnes of coal exports annually, making it a highly symbolic target for climate action. Organisers stated the mass mobilisation was driven by people’s frustration over the Australian government’s perceived lack of urgency in addressing the climate crisis.
