On September 21, 2024, approximately 20 activists from Extinction Rebellion and Stop Croisieres staged a protest at the cruise ship port in Marseille, France, to raise awareness about pollution caused by cruise ships. The activists formed a chain of canoes across the port entrance, effectively blocking access and forcing the Aidastella cruise ship to turn back at 7:00 AM. Other vessels, including Costa Smeralda and MSC World Europa, faced delays until 9:30 AM. The protest highlighted the use of heavy fuel oil by cruise ships, which activists argue contributes significantly to environmental degradation and poor working conditions for crew members [f927d75d].
The cruise industry in Marseille has seen a notable increase in passenger numbers, rising from 1.5 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in 2023. This surge has raised concerns among environmentalists about the ecological impact of such growth. A recent study indicated that cruise ships operating in European waters emitted over eight million tonnes of CO2 in 2022, which is comparable to the emissions from 50,000 flights from Paris to New York [f927d75d].
The protest in Marseille is part of a broader trend of climate activism targeting the cruise industry, which has faced increasing scrutiny for its environmental practices. Activists are calling for more sustainable practices within the industry and greater accountability for the pollution generated by these large vessels. As the climate crisis intensifies, such protests are likely to become more frequent, reflecting growing public concern over the environmental impact of tourism and the cruise sector [f927d75d].
In recent months, similar protests have occurred across Europe, with activists demanding immediate action to address climate change and its associated challenges. The ongoing demonstrations underscore the urgent need for the cruise industry to adopt greener practices and engage with local communities to mitigate the environmental impact of their operations [f927d75d].