UK partners with Morocco to overcome post-Brexit hurdles & bolster bilateral trade
A freight ship loaded with Moroccan fruits & vegetables has arrived at the UK Port of Poole, in Dorset, coming from Tangier-Med port, in a new sea route launched to enhance trade exchanges & economic cooperation with Morocco after UK left the EU.
The direct service, operated by United Seaways, aims at avoiding post-Brexit disruptions to supply chains. Ships will run once a week and will be mainly loaded with dry and refrigerated freight, with the first shipment consisting of 100 freights of organic seasonal fruit and veg.
The new maritime link cuts journey times between Tangier and Poole to under three days, compared with more than six days via road. It will help reduce emissions and overcome post-Brexit traffic congestion and import procedures.
Captain Brian Murphy, marine and port director at Poole Harbor Commissioners, said: “The service will provide a greener and more time efficient option for importers and exporters from both kingdoms.”
United Seaways offers full logistics services including road haulage, door-to-door services, Customs clearance services and warehousing for exporters and importers.
The new maritime service will encourage British importers to source fresh produce and other products directly from Africa, and export companies looking to enhance their southbound trade to Morocco and the surrounding region.
The sea route will also support Morocco’s strategy seeking to diversify its trade partners and markets. It comes after the announcement of the £16bn project of building the world’s longest undersea electric cable between the North African Kingdom and UK.
Xlinks company is planning to build 10.5 GW of wind and solar complex in Morocco and sell the generated power in the UK through a 3,800 km submarine cable.
