SYDNEY, Nov 29 (Reuters) – A climate change protest near Australia’s coast caused a ship to turn back from one of the country’s busiest coal export terminals on Saturday, leading to 11 arrests.

According to police in New South Wales, the individuals arrested were charged with “marine-related offenses” during the protest at the Port of Newcastle, which is located about 170 km (110 miles) from Sydney, the state capital. The port is recognized as the largest bulk shipping port on Australia’s east coast.

A spokesperson for the Port of Newcastle confirmed that one coal ship was unable to enter the port, but stated that “shipping movements have not ceased and will continue as scheduled.”

The climate activist group Rising Tide reported that the coal ship was turned away after kayakers, a small boat, and swimmers entered the shipping channel.

“Due to the protest, NSW Police lost control of the channel, forcing the coal ship named Cemtex Leader to turn back,” Rising Tide stated, noting they had conducted a similar protest last year.

Climate change remains a contentious topic in Australia, where coal is one of the leading export commodities alongside iron ore.