Environmental activists temporarily blocked the cruise ship port in Marseille (France) on Saturday, September 22nd, in protest against the environmental impact of large vessels. Around 20 demonstrators from Extinction Rebellion and the local group Stop Croisieres used canoes to form a blockade across the entrance to France’s leading cruise port, according to reports from AFP.
The protest forced one cruise ship to moor further down the coast while others were delayed outside the port until it reopened around 9:30 a.m. Activists criticized cruise ships as "energy-intensive and toxic floating cities" and highlighted concerns over pollution, heavy fuel oil use, and the negative impact on marine ecosystems. They also raised issues regarding the working conditions of crew members.
The demonstration prevented the docking of the AIDAstella, a German-owned vessel carrying ~2,000 passengers. The Costa Smeralda and MSC World Europa, one of the largest cruise ships in the world, were also delayed from entering the port.
Marseille is a key hub for France’s growing cruise industry, with passenger numbers increasing from 1.5 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in 2023, according to local tourism data. While cruise proponents argue the industry brings revenue to ports, critics claim the economic benefits are overstated, as many passengers spend more onboard than at their destinations. Protests against cruise ship pollution have been seen in other European cities such as Venice and Amsterdam, where restrictions have been imposed on cruise liners docking in central areas.