New shipping service from Morocco to UK & Northern Europe, booster for Moroccan fresh produce exports

DP World, a multinational logistics company based in Dubai, has announced a new shipping service called “Atlas,” connecting Morocco (Agadir and Casablanca) to the UK (London Gateway port) and Northern Europe (Antwerp Gateway port).

This service, to start operation in November 2025, will reduce export times for Moroccan fresh produce like fruits and vegetables by up to two days, cutting carbon emissions by 70% compared to traditional trucking.

It will transport up to 150,000 tons of produce annually, using two dedicated vessels and a fleet of 1,250 modern refrigerated containers (reefers) along with 1,750 dry containers.

The service enables exporters to avoid road transport issues like congestion and border delays, ensuring fresher produce and lower costs. Delicate items such as tomatoes and blueberries benefit from smoother handling, while emissions drop by up to 250kg CO₂ per ton-kilometer.

Morocco exports over 6.5 million metric tons of fruit and vegetables annually to Western Europe, with volumes growing more than 20% year-on-year. Trade agreements and supportive policies have made sea freight a timely option for the expanding market.

Markus Rodatz, Chief Operating Officer, Freight Europe, at DP World, said, “We are committed to building smarter, more sustainable and more resilient supply chains. 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%”.