Protest with kayaks: activists block cruise ships in Kiel

Protest with kayaks: activists block cruise ships in Kiel

climate activists stop cruise ships in Kiel

In front of the Kiel Ostseekai, climate activists successfully blocked two cruise ships with their kayaks. The campaign led to a delay of almost two hours for the descent of the “Aidabella” ship. The police ended the protest after three hours.

The "Smash Cruiseshit" campaign group campaigned with this blockade against cruise tourism and the associated negative effects on the climate. They also protested against working conditions on board and drawn attention to colonial exploitation. The activists came to the bow of the ships with their kayaks so that they could not run out.

The police intervened before the blockade led to serious disorders. Nine activists have been temporarily arrested and are now the subject of investigations due to coercion. Four demonstrators, who were temporarily on the roof of the country power system, were temporarily arrested and then released again.

The protest in Kiel is part of a Europe -wide movement organized by the European Cruise Activist Network (ECAN). The activists criticize the increasing cruise traffic in Kiel and the associated environmental effects. An activist emphasized: «We are fed up! These floating hotels and their dirt are constantly in the middle of the city. »

The number of cruise tourists in Kiel increases from year to year, which is worrying for the activists. They point out that most ships are operated with highly toxic heavy oil. There were similar protests against cruise tourism in the port of Kiel on June 1st.

Source: dpa-infocom GmbH - Nag