On 21 September 2024, environmental activists obstructed France's
leading cruise liner port in Marseille to protest against pollution
generated by large vessels. Approximately 20 members of Extinction
Rebellion and the local group Stop Croisieres formed a chain of canoes
across the port's entry, halting maritime traffic.
The demonstration forced the Germany-owned Aidastella, which can
carry around 2,000 passengers, to turn back and moor further down the
coast at approximately 7:00 am (0500 GMT). Other ships, including the
Costa Smeralda and MSC World Europa, had to remain on standby outside
the port until around 9:30 am. The maritime authorities confirmed that
the activists were eventually removed, allowing the port to reopen.
“Nothing justifies the maintenance of these absurd, energy-intensive
and toxic floating cities,” Stop Croisieres stated on its website. The
group highlighted concerns regarding heavy fuel oil used by the vessels,
the destruction of marine wildlife, climate impact, and poor working
conditions for crew members.
The Cruise Lines International Association condemned the protest,
describing it as “illegal and dangerous,” and noted the industry's
ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Marseille has seen significant growth in the cruise industry, with
passenger numbers increasing from 1.5 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in
2023. While advocates argue that cruise liners provide economic benefits
to stopover ports, critics contend that they promote onboard spending
rather than supporting local economies. Protests against cruise ship
pollution have also occurred in other European cities, including Venice
and Amsterdam.
In March 2023, residents' associations in Marseille filed a legal
complaint regarding ocean traffic pollution, which regularly exceeded EU
limits. A study by NGO Transport and Environment indicated that cruise
ships in European waters emitted over eight million tonnes of carbon
dioxide in 2022, equivalent to 50,000 flights from Paris to New York.
A similar protest was held in August when environment activist group Extinction Rebellion blocked the passage of cruise ships trying to enter Amsterdam.