French Senate Unveils Bold New Tax for Cruise Ships to Protect Coastal Ecosystems and Boost Environmental Sustainability

Published on December 5, 2025

In a significant move that could reshape the future of cruise tourism in France, the French Senate has approved a new tax on cruise ships. This tax, aimed at protecting the nation’s coastlines and enhancing environmental sustainability, has stirred debate across the country. While the measure has passed in the Senate, it is still under discussion in the French Parliament, which will make a final decision by mid-December. Let’s dive into the details of this new tax, why it was introduced, and how it will impact the cruise industry in France.

What is the New Cruise Ship Tax?

The new tax requires every cruise passenger to pay a fee of 15 euros per stop they make in France. This charge is set to apply to all cruise ships docking at French ports, whether in popular Mediterranean destinations like Marseille or the scenic northern shores. The primary aim of this tax is to raise funds for the protection and enhancement of France’s national coastlines.

This move is seen as a step toward making the cruise industry more sustainable, by addressing the environmental impact of cruise operations. The tax will generate an estimated 75 million euros annually, which will be used to fund projects aimed at preserving France’s coastlines and marine environment.

Why Was the Tax Introduced?

France has long been a popular destination for cruise ships, with its beautiful coastlines and vibrant ports attracting thousands of vessels each year. However, the cruise industry comes with significant environmental costs. Cruise ships are notorious for their high levels of pollution, including large quantities of CO2 emissions and waste produced during their journeys.

Jean-Mar Délia, one of the senators behind the proposal, highlighted the enormous environmental cost of the cruise industry, stating that the annual CO2 emissions from cruise ships are equivalent to those of one billion vehicles. This fact alone underscores the need for action to mitigate the damage caused by such operations.

Délia’s proposal, therefore, seeks to address these particularly heavy externalities — the negative environmental impacts that the cruise industry inflicts on coastal and port areas. By introducing this new tax, France hopes to create a sustainable financial model to support efforts to protect its coastlines, which are vital to its tourism industry and ecosystem.

How Will the Tax Be Used?

The 15-euro fee per passenger may seem small to individual tourists, but when applied to the millions of passengers who visit France each year, it can generate substantial revenue. The projected 75 million euros per year will be directed toward enhancing and protecting the country’s coastal regions.

Funds will likely be used for a variety of purposes, including reducing pollution from ships, improving waste management systems in ports, preserving marine biodiversity, and maintaining the beauty of France’s beaches and coastal ecosystems. Given the importance of these natural resources to France’s tourism and economy, this move could have a lasting positive impact on the nation’s environment.

Will This Affect France’s Appeal to Cruise Ships?

One of the main concerns surrounding the new tax is its potential impact on France’s attractiveness as a cruise destination. Cruise operators and local business owners in port cities worry that the tax might discourage cruise lines from making stops in French ports, fearing that passengers may seek other, less expensive destinations.

However, Jean-Mar Délia has reassured critics that the tax is unlikely to harm France’s position as a leading cruise destination. France remains one of the most popular countries for cruise tourism in Europe, with its vast coastline and diverse array of port cities offering something for every type of traveller.

Moreover, Délia points out that similar taxes and environmental levies are already in place in other countries, both in Europe and beyond. For instance, Italy and Spain have introduced similar fees for cruise ships in recent years. If France follows suit, it could encourage other nations to implement similar measures, creating a more sustainable global cruising industry.

The Cruise Industry’s Environmental Impact

Cruise ships have long been criticised for their environmental footprint. These large vessels burn large amounts of fuel, contributing to air pollution, while also discharging untreated sewage and waste into the oceans. The impact on marine life and coastal ecosystems can be devastating, with pollution affecting everything from coral reefs to marine mammals.

In addition to CO2 emissions, cruise ships also produce tons of waste. According to some estimates, a single cruise ship can produce as much waste as a small town during a week-long journey. This includes everything from food waste to toxic chemicals and plastics, much of which ends up in the oceans. The problem is compounded by the fact that many ports are ill-equipped to handle such large volumes of waste.

By introducing a tax on cruise ships, France aims to shift the financial burden of these environmental impacts onto the cruise industry, rather than leaving taxpayers to foot the bill for cleaning up the damage. The new tax is part of a broader effort to hold companies accountable for their environmental footprint and to push for a more sustainable, eco-friendly cruise tourism model.

The Controversy Surrounding the Tax

Despite the environmental benefits, the new tax has sparked some controversy. One of the most vocal critics of the proposal is Amélie de Montchalin, France’s Minister of Public Accounts. She has raised concerns about the wording of the law, particularly the lack of distinction between cruise ships and ferries.

Ferries, which are used for shorter trips between coastal regions, are an essential part of many local economies and are not as environmentally damaging as cruise ships. De Montchalin argues that the law could unfairly burden ferry operators, who may not have the same environmental impact as large cruise ships.

This concern highlights the complexity of balancing environmental goals with the needs of the local economy. While cruise tourism generates significant revenue for France, ferries play a crucial role in maintaining transport links between the mainland and the country’s islands, as well as offering essential services to local populations.

Will the Tax Apply to All French Territories?

The new tax will likely apply to all French ports, but it remains unclear whether it will extend to the country’s overseas territories, such as Martinique, Guadeloupe, and French Polynesia. These regions are popular cruise destinations in their own right, with thousands of ships making stops each year. However, these areas often face unique environmental challenges, and their inclusion in the new tax could complicate matters.

It is likely that the French government will address these concerns as the proposal moves through Parliament. While these overseas territories are part of France, they have distinct environmental needs and challenges that may require tailored solutions.

The Global Shift Towards Sustainable Tourism

France is not the only country taking action to curb the environmental impact of the cruise industry. As awareness of climate change and environmental degradation grows, more nations are introducing regulations to hold cruise operators accountable for their carbon footprints.

Countries such as Italy, Spain, and the United States have already implemented or are considering similar measures, such as passenger taxes or restrictions on emissions. This global shift towards sustainable tourism reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect our planet’s fragile ecosystems, while also supporting local economies through responsible tourism.

A Step Towards Sustainability

The French Senate’s approval of a new tax on cruise ships is a bold and necessary step towards a more sustainable future for the cruise industry. While the tax is still under discussion in Parliament, it signals a strong commitment to protecting France’s coastlines and marine ecosystems. The revenue generated by the tax will help fund critical environmental initiatives, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty of France’s beaches and coastal regions.

While the measure has faced some opposition, including concerns about its potential impact on local economies and the ferry industry, it reflects a growing global consensus that the tourism industry must adapt to the environmental challenges of the 21st century. If successful, France’s cruise tax could set a powerful precedent for other nations to follow, helping to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly global tourism industry.

As we continue to face the challenges of climate change, it is clear that protecting our natural resources must be a top priority. France’s new cruise tax is an important step in the right direction, and one that could pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future for the tourism industry worldwide.