13 climate activists arrested during protest against coal transshipment in Rotterdam

Kappen met with Coren on Friday after 13 people were arrested during a protest by the activist group Extinction Rebellion in Rotterdam. “The demonstration was peaceful, but 13 people did not comply with the order to leave. They were taken away and reported to the police,” a police spokesman said.

Shortly after 10 a.m. on Friday, about 15 activists were chained to railroad tracks on the Missouriweg River in Maasbrakte. This is the route on which coal is transported by train from Europes Massagoed Overslagbedrijf (EMO), one of Europe’s largest dry bulk terminals. This terminal specializes in transshipment of iron ore, coal and other bulk commodities.

About 30 activists participated in the action on the tracks. They planned to stay until their request to stop coal transshipment was satisfied. “If we are eliminated early, we will be back,” they promised.

@HavenRotterdam, Kapu met Daikoren!Extinction Rebellion @Kappenmetkolen Massagoed Overslagbedrijf (EMO) in Europe has activities aimed at safe travel in safe places and safe transportation. [1/5] pic.twitter.com/wC5a9iPMPJ

— Extinction Rebellion Holland (@NLRebellion) July 21, 2023

In addition to the blockade action on the tracks, protests also took place at the Port Authority, with about 20 people temporarily blocking the entrance to the World Port Center in Wilhelminacade. These protests are part of a larger series of actions that previously targeted places such as: Tata Steel from IJmuiden and Amsterdam port. A spokeswoman said Friday’s protests marked “the beginning of a longer campaign in Rotterdam”.

Use WPC #wilhelminacade of #Rotterdam blokkeert een groep activist van @NLRebellion De Ingun. Get to know the haven of Rotterdam. #demonstration pic.twitter.com/wyNXcIEJaz

— Jeffrey Jacobs (@JeffreyNOB) July 21, 2023

The police left the activists alone. “They are not bothering anyone,” a police spokesman said early Friday. “The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, and good relationships are built,” she stressed.

Activist groups are calling for an immediate halt to coal transshipment, citing negative climate impacts. It also expressed concern over “very serious human rights violations” allegedly related to coal mining operations in Colombia.