A large bulk carrier entering the world's largest coal port has not scared protesters from the water in Newcastle.
About a dozen kayaks and small boats remained on the harbour on Thursday evening as two tug boats escorted the ship to the Port of Newcastle.
The protesters, part of the climate activism group Rising Tide, paddled into the harbour in an attempt to block the port entry.
The protest action is part of a week-long event being hosted in Newcastle called The People's Blockade of the World's Largest Coal Port.
The protesters sat in the middle of the harbour as the bulk carrier tooted its horn as it entered.
Police in boats and on jetskis ushered the protesters away from the ship.
Protesters entered the harbour late Thursday afternoon after a court ruled a marine exclusion zone, put in place for the protest, was unlawful.
However, the presiding judge said her ruling did not necessarily mean it would be lawful to protest in the water due to a separate action by NSW Police which successfully sought an order from the Supreme Court to prohibit an on-water demonstration.
No arrests were made on Thursday night, but with protests set to continue over the next few days, police have warned unlawful activity may result in fines or imprisonment.
In a statement, NSW Police said it will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to actions that threaten public safety and the safe passage of vessels.