Cruise lines to abandon Faroe Islands following horrific mass whale slaughter

Negar Etminan, of Hapag-Lloyd, said in an email to Sea Shepherd: “We have already reduced the amount of port calls to the Faroe Islands. There is only one call of port scheduled for the Faroe Islands next year.

“We will refrain from further calls of port to the Faroe Islands for now and are currently checking possible alternatives for the scheduled itinerary next year.”

Five Sea Shepherd environmental activists were convicted for trying to stop the traditional slaughter, known as the grindadráp.

The punishments ranged from a fine of €4,500 (£3,180) to fourteen days in prison.

Sea Shepherd was also fined €10,000 (£7,070).

It is understood the activists – from Italy, Luxembourg, Belgium, France and South Africa – will appeal.