DP World launches Morocco-UK service to cut export times, emissions
Image: Dubai Media Office
DP World[1] is launching a Morocco to UK and North Europe shipping service that will cut export times for fruit and vegetable shipments by up to two days, offering retailers and consumers fresher produce at lower cost and with a reduced carbon footprint.
The new "Atlas" service will connect Agadir and Casablanca in Morocco with DP World-owned ports and terminals at London Gateway and Antwerp Gateway, using two dedicated vessels starting in November 2025.
It will also supply produce into Antwerp for distribution across Europe. By shifting up to 150,000 tonnes of fresh produce from road to sea each year, the route will cut emissions by up to 250kg of CO2 per tonne-km, a 70 per cent reduction compared with trucking, DP World said. Unlike road transport over the 3,000-km journey, the sea link avoids congestion, vandalism, and border delays while offering a smoother passage for delicate produce such as tomatoes and blueberries, which are vulnerable to damage in transit.
The service will use vessels and refrigerated containers operated by DP World-owned Unifeeder, providing an alternative to the crowded water crossings between Tangier and Algeciras and Calais and Dover. "We are launching a bespoke solution from Morocco to the UK and the Continent," said Rashid Abdulla, MD and CEO at DP World Europe. "The key elements of this service -- reliability, fast transit times and modern IT platform-- will provide exporters and retailers with a viable alternative to the current transportation by truck and ensure improved quality produce at lower cost with significantly reduced carbon emissions."
DP World invests in equipment
To ensure freshness, DP World has invested in 1,250 new refrigerated containers, along with 1,000 40-foot high cube and 750 20-foot dry containers, to meet growing cargo demand between North Europe, the UK and Morocco. Its CARGOES[2] digital platform will offer full supply chain visibility.
Morocco exports more than 6.5 million metric tonnes of fruit and vegetables annually to Western Europe, with volumes growing at over 20 per cent a year. Trade agreements and government policies are boosting the trend, making sea freight a timely alternative to road. "The new service gives growers and retailers the confidence that their produce will arrive fresher, faster and in peak condition, while cutting emissions by 70 per cent," said Markus Rodatz, COO, Freight Europe, at DP World. "By investing in this Morocco to UK and the Continent, we are making trade flow and helping our customers meet their sustainability goals."
DP World will formally launch the service at an event in Agadir, Morocco, on September 18.