Climate Activists Block Cruise Ships at Marseille Port Using Canoes

Climate Activists Block Cruise Ships at Marseille Port Using Canoes

In a bold show of protest, climate activists from Extinction Rebellion and Stop Croisières took a stand. They formed a floating barricade in the port of Marseille. This action halted the docking of several cruise ships. The protest unfolded over the weekend. About 20 activists linked their canoes in a chain to block entry into the port. This action delayed the arrival of multiple cruise liners.

Cruise Ships Held Up for Three Hours

The blockade, which lasted several hours, caused significant disruption. The AIDAstella cruise ship was forced to divert to another port further down the coast. The Costa Smeralda and MSC World Europa were held offshore for approximately three hours before they could enter Marseille.

Local law enforcement intervened peacefully, disbanding the protest and detaining 20 activists. Both city officials and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) condemned the protest as illegal and hazardous. However, the protesters defended their actions, with Stop Croisières stating, “Our air, our seas, and our health are not negotiable. Nothing justifies these absurd, energy-guzzling floating cities.”

Rising Tensions Between Marseille and the Cruise Industry

Marseilles’s mayor has been an outspoken critic of the cruise industry. Public sentiment in the city is increasingly opposed to the growing number of cruise ships docking there. The number of cruise passengers visiting the port surged post-pandemic, rising from 1.5 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in 2023, contributing to growing concerns about pollution and environmental impact.

This protest is part of a larger movement in France. Similar demonstrations are occurring in Brittany. Activists in Brittany are also challenging the cruise industry’s environmental footprint.

A Broader Campaign Across Europe

Extinction Rebellion has been leading a wave of protests across Europe. They have been targeting cruise ships, airports, and transportation infrastructure. Their goal is to raise awareness about climate change. Earlier this year, the group was involved in a high-profile protest. This protest blocked access to Amsterdam’s waterways. It demonstrated their commitment to drawing attention to what they view as unsustainable travel industries.

As the debate around the environmental cost of cruising intensifies, it seems these protests are set to continue. Activists are demanding stricter regulations on the cruise industry to protect local ecosystems and public health.