DP World is launching the “Atlas” service connecting Morocco to the UK and North Europe, cutting export times for fruit and vegetables by up to two days.
Starting November 2025, two dedicated vessels will link Agadir and Casablanca with London Gateway and Antwerp Gateway terminals, improving produce quality and reducing costs while cutting carbon emissions by 70 per cent.
By shifting up to 150,000 tonnes of fresh produce annually from road to sea, the route offers a more sustainable solution that avoids delays, road damage, and border congestion common on the 3,000+ kilometres (km) overland journey.
It also bypasses congestion on sea crossings between Tangier-Algeciras and Calais-Dover.
DP World has invested in 1,250 new reefers and 1,750 dry and high cube containers to ensure freshness and meet growing cargo demand.
The company will provide full supply chain visibility via its CARGOES digital platform.
Morocco exports over 6.5 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables annually to Western Europe , with trade growing 20 per cent yearly.
This new sea service offers a timely, reliable, and greener alternative to trucking.
Rashid Abdulla, MD of DP World Europe, said: “Our service offers exporters and retailers a faster, more reliable, and sustainable alternative, delivering fresher produce at lower costs.”
Markus Rodatz, COO Freight Europe, added: “This investment helps build smarter, greener, and more resilient supply chains while helping customers meet sustainability goals.”
The service will be formally launched at an event in Agadir on 18 September.
Last month, DP World introduced five electric internal transfer vehicles (eITVs) at Laem Chabang International Terminal (LCIT) in Thailand.