Greenpeace activists leave the Tata site ‘with their heads held high’ through the main entrance

Greenpeace decides to end the action around 5 p.m. It does not come to a confrontation with the police, while Mayor Frank Dales had banned the demonstrators from entering the site yesterday.

The day, which ends up being more relaxed than expected, starts around 11 a.m. The activists, all dressed in red overalls, depart from the ‘A Sea of ​​Steel’ sculpture park towards the steel factory. With a banner in their hand, they shout through the dunes: “What do we want? Climate Justice! When do we want it? Now!’

During the march towards the site, the atmosphere is relaxed. The activists are not tense, but they are focused. “This is what democracy looks like’ they shout as they walk towards the steel factory.

The group is split into three small groups. Hardly anyone seems to know what’s about to happen. Until suddenly a few people from the vanguard open the gate of the site. The activists pour into the grounds to loud cheers. The final station is Kooksfabriek 2.

The activists come from all over the country and are of all ages. From youngsters to retired teacher Albert Koot from the Bijlmer. “Tata is scumbag,” he says. “That coke factory must close.”

Greenpeace has made it clear more often in recent weeks that Tata Steel does not have to close, but that the most polluting parts must close as soon as possible. Kooksfabriek 2, where activists gather today, is particularly notorious. Earlier this week, the Environment Agency placed that factory under stricter supervision because it does not meet the environmental requirements.

Dirty

Upon arrival, that image is only confirmed. It’s dirty. The ground is full of black gunk and there is a layer of soot everywhere. “Dystopian to be here,” says one protester. “I had no idea what it was really like. And it’s even worse than I thought.”

The afternoon passes quietly, also because it is not entirely clear what exactly will happen. Most of the group stays around the coke plant. Loose groups cycle across the grounds. Actions seem to happen mainly spontaneously, such as the occupation of a road and a tower.

Bloody hot

Bystanders gather along the fence to show support for the activists. They share water and food. It is necessary, because it is very hot on the site. Tata employees watch, and even give a few activists a tour of the site and bring water bottles. It does not come to a previously feared confrontation.

The cheerful highlight is provided by the punk band Hang Youth. The band gives an impromptu performance from the other side of the fence. They sing, among other things, the song ‘Tata Steel’, with the text: “People are being murdered in Velsen-Noord.”

Around five o’clock Greenpeace makes the decision to leave voluntarily. The point has been made, says Faiz Oulahsen, Head of Climate and Energy at Greenpeace. “We are very happy that it was possible. We entered the site of the major polluter at the rear and left through the front door. The zero arrests are also a compliment to the mayor, who considers the right to protest to be of paramount importance .”

The CEO of Tata Steel, Hans van der Berg, is also relieved that the action went without incident. He is particularly proud of his employees, who have acted ‘controlled and correct’ throughout the day. “This has allowed the demonstrators to express their concern.”