Ship movements stopped at the largest coal export port in the world for a few hours on Sunday, due to a climate change protest led by Rising Tide.

It is an international, decentralised group focusing on direct action against fossil fuels and tackling climate change.

Per reports, 121 people were charged with several marine-related offences. 18 individuals were dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

The protest started on Thursday, and till Sunday, hundreds of protestors took to the waters on boats, kayaks and other watercraft, blocking the entry of coal-laden ships.

While NSW Police stated that it would not tolerate actions which threaten the safe passage of ships and public safety, community organiser of Rising Tide, Zack Schofield, said that the police had adopted a ‘wrong approach’ to the protest and wasted thousands of dollars of people’s money.

The group expressed satisfaction after their efforts prevented two bulk carriers from entering the port of Newcastle.

Coal ship Ragna had to turn back, and also the bulk carrier Cemtex Leader, which turned back on Saturday morning after swimmers in the channel prevented it from entering the port. However, it was able to enter on Sunday morning.

Another ship loaded with alumina for the Tomago smelter was also not able to arrive at the facility and was rescheduled to come on Monday.

Catherine Hill Bay resident Mina Bui Jones, who was arrested, said it was thrilling to see the tugboats return to their berths and to know they had prevented coal ships from unloading their cargo.

She added that she would do it again.

Two Greenpeace activists were also arrested on Sunday after they clung to the anchor chain and sides of the coal ship Yangze 16.

They used professional climbing equipment and hung a 5 m-long banner on the ship.

They were calling on the government to stop approving new fossil fuel projects, said Greenpeace Australia Pacific campaigner Joe Rafalowicz.

Former Fire and Rescue NSW commissioner and founder of Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, Greg Mullins, also spoke at the event.

He said it was great to see so many people in the protest, adding that he had worked on putting out fires for over 50 years and that fires had become worse due to climate change.

He said that it was inspiring to see Australians protesting against the filthy, polluting fossil fuels that are ruining the planet.

The event, which started on Thursday, included a protestival on Saturday, with performances from Australian acts Montaigne and Lime Cordiale.

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said that those who breach marine exclusion zones would be arrested.