Climate Protest Halts Coal Ship at Australia's Largest Terminal

A climate-change protest near Australia's Port of Newcastle forced a coal ship to turn back, resulting in 11 arrests. Despite the disruption, shipping activities continue. The protest highlights Australia's divisive debate on climate change, especially as coal remains a major export for the country.

A protest against climate change off the coast of Australia led to the arrest of 11 individuals after they halted an incoming coal ship on Saturday. The police described the incident as involving 'alleged marine-related offences' near the Port of Newcastle, Australia's largest coal export terminal.

Despite the vessel Cemtex Leader being turned away from entering the port due to protesters in kayaks and small boats blocking the channel, a spokesperson for the Port of Newcastle confirmed that shipping operations were largely unaffected and continued as scheduled.

The incident underscores ongoing tensions over climate policy in Australia, where coal remains a major export. The climate activist group Rising Tide, which orchestrated the protest, argues that such actions are necessary to highlight the urgent need for change in environmental practices and policies.

(With inputs from agencies.)