Greenpeace activists prevent coal ship from entering Port of Helsinki

Greenpeace activists have attempted to block Alppila, a bulk carrier transporting coal to Hanasaari coal power plant in central, from entering Port of Helsinki, Finland.

The environmental organisation was joined by activists from Finland, Denmark, Austria and Spain, who demanded to close its oldest coal-fired power plant in Helsinki and to adopt renewable energy completely.

One of the activists managed to climb onboard and was detained by the Alppila crew.

Greenpeace Nordic Climate and Energy campaigner Laura Meller said: "Right now, people all around the world are taking action to stop climate change so we can all breathe clean air.

"In Finland, this starts with closing down the decrepit Hanasaari power plant and starting the transition to renewable energy just as other Scandinavian capitals are already doing."

"Political leaders around the world promise again and again that they will keep the world from catastrophic climate change.

"As the whole world is gearing up to the climate summit in Paris, starting the coal phase-out for real is a perfect chance to show that Finnish politicians are serious about these promises."

According to a recent poll commissioned by Greenpeace, THE majority of Helsinki citizens favour closing down the Hanasaari coal power plant this year.

The poll additionally revealed that 77% of the respondents want Helsinki to shift to completely renewable energy.

Black coal Hanasaari and Salmisaari power plants in Helsinki produce roughly 50% of the district heating in the entire region, which results in carbon emissions amounting to two million tonnes.

The plants are responsible for nearly two million tonnes of carbon dioxide released every year.