Environmental Activists Block France’s Main Cruise Ship Port In Marseille

The principal cruise port of France in Marseille was blocked by environmental activists yesterday. They were protesting because of the pollution which is a result of the massive cruise ships.

Around 20 members of Extinction Rebellion and Stop Croisieres groups, created a chain of canoes in the waters, ultimately blocking the port entrance, per media reports.

One ship turned back at 7:00 am and stopped offshore while others waited outside the harbour till 9:30 am.

They were driven away and the port was again opened, per maritime authorities.

The protestors criticised the ships for using oil, destroying the planet’s oceans and coastal fauna, its impact on the climate and poor working conditions for employees.

The protest had halted the Aidastella vessel, owned by a German Firm. It was carrying 2000 guests and reached the port at 7:00 am.

MSC World Europa and Costa Smeralda also had to wait before they could enter the port.

MSC World Europa is the 6th biggest passenger ship in the world and can hold 6000 guests in its over 2600 cabins. It also has 13 restaurants and a shopping mall.

The protest was called illegal and dangerous by the International Association of Cruise Lines.

It also said that the cruise ship sector struggles to decrease its greenhouse gas emissions.

Marseille is a centre of the flourishing cruise ship industry in France. From 2022 to 2023, number of cruise ship guests entering the port rose from 1.5 million to 2.5 million, per the Marseille Tourism Observatory.

References: CNA, France24