Environmental Activists Blockade Marseilles Port

On September 21st, approximately 20 activists from Extinction Rebellion and the Marseilles-based group Stop Croisières organized a protest at the port of Marseilles, France, preventing cruise ships from entering. The protesters, using inflatable kayaks, blocked the port’s entry, disrupting the schedules of several ships.

As a result of the demonstration, three cruise ships faced delays. The AIDAStella was forced to turn back at 7:00 AM and wait two hours nearby. Meanwhile, the MSC World Europa and Costa Smeralda remained offshore until they were able to dock around 9:30 AM. A ferry arriving from Corsica was also delayed due to the blockade.

The protest ended when the Maritime Gendarmerie, responsible for security in French waters, removed the demonstrators, allowing the port to reopen around 9:00 AM.

The activists aimed to raise awareness about the environmental impact of the cruise industry. In addition to environmental concerns, they also called attention to the poor working conditions for cruise ship staff.