Extinction Rebellion Protesters Block Cruise Ship Docking in Amsterdam
On Saturday, July 26, environmental group Extinction Rebellion disrupted port operations in the Netherlands by launching a protest targeting the cruise ship Celebrity Eclipse as it attempted to dock at the Port of Amsterdam. The group, known for its high-profile climate demonstrations, staged a maritime blockade involving inflatable boats that manoeuvred dangerously close to the 122,000 GT vessel.
The Extinction Rebellion cruise protest began shortly after 04:30 local time when around 30 activists arrived in small watercraft to confront the ship at the Passagiers Terminal Amsterdam. The protesters aimed to hinder docking procedures while drawing media attention through photo ops in front of the approaching vessel.
Activists Condemn Cruise Ships as “Floating Environmental Disasters”
In a statement posted on social media, Extinction Rebellion Netherlands described the action as part of their broader campaign against the cruise industry. The group claimed cruise ships have a “harmful influence on people, nature, and the climate,” and argued they “should not be allowed in Dutch waters.” The organization referred to these vessels as “floating environmental disasters,” reinforcing its opposition to their presence in the country’s ports.
Police End Blockade: Five Protesters Detained
The standoff lasted less than two hours before Dutch police patrol launches intervened, escorting the protest boats away from the cruise terminal to allow the Celebrity Eclipse to dock safely. According to local media reports, five protesters were taken into custody, though two were later released.
A port authority representative highlighted the potential risks of such confrontations, emphasizing the danger posed by cruise ship propellers to smaller vessels in close proximity. The official warned that these forms of port harassment could result in serious accidents, particularly when smaller boats operate near large, maneuvering ships.
