Legal Ruling Brings Temporary Halt to Port Nice Cruise Caps

A recent legal decision in Nice has rendered the mayor’s attempt to limit cruise passenger numbers illegal. Mayor Christian Estrosi’s decree aimed to restrict the number of passengers arriving at the ports of Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer. However, on July 13, the Administrative Court annulled the ordinance, stating it exceeded the mayor’s jurisdiction and only the prefect of Alpes-Maritimes has the authority to regulate maritime traffic.

The ordinance, issued on July 9, was intended to mitigate environmental impacts and protect marine life. It sought to limit cruise ship calls in Nice to vessels with a capacity of 450 passengers and in Villefranche-sur-Mer to one ship of up to 2,500 passengers per day. This measure faced immediate scrutiny when the Voyager of the Seas disembarked over 3,100 passengers in Villefranche on July 11. Estrosi’s attempt to board the ship and deliver a letter to the captain failed due to maritime protocol, leading to a public altercation.

Following the court ruling, Estrosi warned of potential legal action against the state for inadequate environmental protections, citing failures to restrict large cruise ships. His comments have been criticized by environmental advocates and the Cruise Lines International Association, who argue he is politicizing the issue and trivializing essential environmental debates.

The ruling leaves Estrosi’s decree suspended and paves the way for discussions at the national level. Consultations are expected in September to develop a legally sustainable framework for managing cruise ships, while balancing environmental concerns and the interests of the industry along the Côte d’Azur.

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