On August 11, 2024, climate activists from Extinction Rebellion once again targeted the IJmuiden lock to disrupt the arrival of a cruise ship. This time, they targeted Seven Seas Mariner, operated by Regent Seven Seas. The protest caused a delay of several hours, but thanks to police intervention, the ship was able to resume its journey to Amsterdam in the evening.
The protest involved eight activists who chained and glued themselves to the lock gate, temporarily blocking the ship's passage. Despite initial negotiations by the police, the situation required the intervention of the Mobile Eenheid (ME), a specialized unit trained to handle protesters who are physically restrained. The lock was reopened at 8:30 p.m. allowing the Seven Seas Mariner to continue its voyage and reach Amsterdam around 10 p.m.
Extinction Rebellion framed the protest as a stance against the opulence of the cruise ship, which they view as a symbol of global inequality in the face of ongoing climate and ecological crises affecting the world's poorest. Despite the disruption, no activists were arrested during this action. This protest follows a similar event just days prior, where activists also blocked a cruise ship at the same location.
