A CRUISE ship being brought to Falmouth from Estonia to house 1,000 extra police officers for next week's G7 summit is to be targeted by environmental action group Ocean Rebellion.
Devon and Cornwall Police have chartered the mega ferry MS Silja Europa, one of the world’s largest cruise/ferries to accommodate around 1,000 officers being drafted into Cornwall to protect leaders of the G7 meeting in Carbis Bay next month. The 60,000 ton ship will be moored at Falmouth Docks for ten days.
The co-founder of Falmouth based Ocean Rebellion, Rob Higgs says the group hasn't exactly worked out what the final messaging for the protest is going to be because they are still being designed, but their actions will be entirely legal.
"Our messaging will likely centre around the emissions created by this huge ship on its journey from its current location in Estonia near Finland to Cornwall and back just for this job," he said. "That’s over a 5500km round trip for a 60,000 ton ship.
The cruise ship Silja Europe that police will live onboard Picture: Marko Stamehl, AS Tallink Group
"This is yet another ludicrous example of excessive carbon use, when they could surely find some more local accommodation, or camp in a lovely Cornish field like the protesters will."
He added: "Even once the ship arrives here, it will still run its auxiliary engines on this dirty fuel, which is less polluting than the huge engines, but will still massively increases the air pollution in the town. Somewhat ironic."
Ocean Rebellion activists from Cornwall travelled to Weymouth Bay last year to protest against the cruise ship industry (image: STRIKINGFACES)
Ocean Rebellion says it is calling for a ban on Heavy Fuel Oils, and a complete restructuring of the IMO, the International Maritime Organisation that is tasked with protecting the oceans which, it says, is owned by the most polluting shipping countries, and run to maximise profits instead.
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The Ocean Rebellion Boat
Devon and Cornwall Police say they are working closely with the vessel owners, ports authorities and health partners to ensure the safe use of the ship's accommodation.
The cruise ship will be used by police for accommodation, catering and other "essential facilities".
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson for G7 planning said: "We will be deploying over 6,000 officers and staff to this event and we are supporting a vast range of local businesses and suppliers as part of our extensive logistical arrangements.
"This includes using over 4,000 rooms at almost 200 venues across Devon and Cornwall which will support local communities and accommodate police officers and staff deployed from across the UK."
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