Greenpeace’s renowned sailing vessel Rainbow Warrior has arrived in Cape Town, calling at the V&A Waterfront this week as part of a southern Africa tour that has drawn both public interest and critical scrutiny. The ship, long associated with environmental campaigns against fossil fuels and biodiversity loss, is open for public visits on designated days, giving activists and citizens an opportunity to board and engage with Greenpeace representatives about climate and ocean protection.

The Rainbow Warrior set sail earlier this month from South America on a voyage that included a pass by the remote island of Tristan da Cunha on 5 January, underscoring the global scope of Greenpeace’s advocacy. In Cape Town, the vessel has been promoted by Greenpeace Africa as a chance to “be part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience” aboard the ship, reflecting the organisation’s efforts to build local engagement around environmental issues and climate justice.

The visit comes amid heightened debate over energy policy, particularly in countries grappling with energy access challenges and climate commitments. Greenpeace’s agenda emphasises urgent action on climate change, including a shift away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources. Supporters of this stance argue climate science shows emissions from coal, oil and gas must be cut sharply to avert the worst impacts of global warming, and that high-profile campaigns like the Rainbow Warrior tour can elevate public awareness and pressure policymakers to act.

At the same time, some commentators have challenged Greenpeace’s approach and the symbolism of its flagship’s visit to African ports like Cape Town. A commentary circulating in energy sector publications describes the organisation’s reliance on fossil fuels for logistics and travel as incongruous with its campaigning message, noting that the ship’s engines and support infrastructure still depend on conventional fuels even as Greenpeace targets expansion of oil and gas projects abroad.

Critics of Greenpeace’s messaging also contend that policy stances which prioritise immediate decarbonisation can overlook the pressing need for stable energy supplies in economies where access to electricity remains limited. They argue that fossil fuel development, managed prudently, can serve as a transitional driver of industrial growth and employment in regions where energy shortages restrict economic activity.

Greenpeace representatives, however, note that the Rainbow Warrior incorporates design features aimed at reducing its environmental impact. While powered primarily by sail, the vessel also uses more efficient engines and battery systems to minimise fuel consumption during operations that cannot be undertaken under wind alone. This engineering approach, they say, reflects the practical challenges of campaigning at sea and highlights the organisation’s broader commitment to technological solutions that align with climate goals.

Local environmentalists in Cape Town have welcomed the Rainbow Warrior’s presence, emphasising the city’s vulnerability to climate-linked threats such as drought and sea-level rise. They see the visit as a platform to amplify discussions on coastal protection, climate adaptation and sustainable development. Community groups have organised discussions and educational activities around the ship’s docking schedule to deepen public understanding of environmental issues in the region.

South Africa’s energy landscape is complex, shaped by longstanding dependence on coal for electricity generation, challenges in grid reliability, and an expanding renewable sector aiming to reduce carbon intensity. Policymakers face pressure to balance decarbonisation targets with the immediate need to secure reliable and affordable energy for households and industry. Within this context, Greenpeace’s campaign framing urges a faster move to renewables, while critics urge a phased, diversified energy strategy that accommodates local economic realities.

The Rainbow Warrior’s visit also highlights broader tensions in global climate advocacy, where international organisations engage with local stakeholders on issues that intersect with national development priorities. For some analysts, the optics of an environmental ship visiting developing regions stimulate productive dialogue on climate solutions; for others, they raise questions about the suitability of one-size-fits-all prescriptions in diverse economic contexts.

During its stay at Cape Town’s waterfront, the vessel has attracted attention from activists, maritime enthusiasts and tourists alike. The public tour events scheduled over the weekend are expected to draw significant attendance, with Greenpeace staff on hand to discuss the organisation’s campaigns, scientific research, and volunteer opportunities.