The French city of Bordeaux is seeking to ban cruise ships from docking in its city center due to complaints of being an eyesore and causing environmental damage. The number of liners that dock in the city has doubled over the past 10 years, prompting authorities to take action. Mayor Pierre Hurmic has proposed relocating the mooring site further north to an area along the right bank of the Garonne river in order to preserve the historic sites of the city. Residents have voiced their concerns, with one calling the ships “big polluters” with “no place in the city center.” However, the proposal has met resistance from the Bordeaux-Gironde Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who fear the impact on trade.
Despite the controversy, the move is seen as necessary to protect the city’s beauty and reduce pollution. While cruise ship passengers bring income to the city, authorities are working on alternative transportation options to ferry passengers to the city center. Residents and authorities agree that a solution must be found to balance environmental concerns with economic benefits. The ban on cruise ships in Bordeaux’s city center marks a significant step towards protecting the city’s heritage and environment.
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