Morocco–UK sea route starts with first fresh produce shipment

MOROCCO – DP World completed the first loading operation of its Atlas Service on 25 November, marking the start of a direct route that links Agadir and Casablanca with terminals in London Gateway and Antwerp Gateway.

Workers loaded the first reefer containers onto the M/V BF Carp before the vessel set sail for Europe.

DP World said the new connection cuts travel time for Moroccan fruit and vegetables to the UK by two days. The company expects this shorter journey to help protect product quality while lowering emissions from long road trips.

Dirk Hoffman, Commercial Director at DP World Atlas, celebrated the launch as a milestone. “Thank you, thank you, thank you very much for helping to make history last night,” he said in a message to customers.

“We are absolutely delighted to be part of helping the Souss-Massa’s agriculture sector to get your quality produce to consumers in the UK and Europe.”

Support from industry leaders

Nigel Jenny, CEO of the Fresh Produce Consortium, welcomed the move. “This bespoke solution for the fresh produce sector ensures the freshness and quality of a diverse range of Moroccan fresh produce for UK consumers to enjoy,” he said. “Congratulations on launching this important logistics solution, which I’m confident will grow and grow in popularity.”

The M/V BF Carp reached Agadir on 17 November with more than 400 new reefer containers to prepare for its first northbound trip. DP World said the link offers a strong alternative to long road routes by giving exporters a direct sea option for perishable goods.

The company added that shifting cargo from road to sea could lower carbon emissions by 70 percent. It reached this figure by estimating the reduction that comes from moving 150,000 tons of fresh produce exports by sea instead of trucks.

Morocco exports more than 6.5 million tons of fruit and vegetables each year to Western Europe. Annual volumes grow by more than 20 percent, helped by supportive trade agreements and policy changes. DP World said the new sea route matches the rising need for reliable container capacity for chilled cargo.

Two vessels will handle the Atlas Service: the M/V BF Carp and the M/V BF Perch. Bookings already opened for the M/V BF Perch, which arrives in Agadir on 1 December and departs on 2 December. DP World confirmed that its digital booking system now accepts direct customer reservations.

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