Overview
- CGT mariners used three 100‑seat rescue boats from La Méridionale and Corsica Linea to block the port’s north cruise entrance, preventing the MSC Orchestra from docking.
- The Grand Port Maritime de Marseille confirmed the north access was closed, stopping any vessel from berthing on that side.
- After roughly 12 hours holding off Marseille with about 2,700 passengers aboard, the MSC Orchestra left for Genoa, with the company arranging bus returns to Marseille.
- The 48‑hour renewable strike targets operators using an Italian international flag, with demands for enforcement of French social and fiscal rules and an immediate government‑led roundtable.
- Union leaders say the blockade could spread to Sète, Toulon and Nice as disruptions grow, with reports of at least five ships halted in Marseille and two in Corsica on February 3.