Samskip launches direct Morocco–Europe reefer route to speed fresh produce trade

MOROCCO – Icelandic shipping company Samskip has launched a new maritime route linking Morocco’s Agadir and Casablanca ports directly to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, offering exporters a faster and greener alternative to traditional road transport.

The “Moroccan Reefer Service” will sail weekly and focus on temperature-sensitive goods such as tomatoes, peppers, and citrus fruits. Samskip says the service will deliver the fastest door-to-door transit time on the market for perishable produce.

“We provide a faster, greener and more reliable solution, based on the needs of producers, importers and retailers,” said Samskip CEO Ólafur Orri Ólafsson.

The route connects Agadir and Casablanca directly to Rotterdam, with onward distribution possible within days to Norway, Poland, Sweden, Finland, and the Baltic States.

Each shipment will use 45-foot reefer containers, which match the capacity of standard semi-trailers while reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 80 percent compared to road transport.

Samskip reports that shipments can reach Rotterdam in five to six days. This marks a major change for Morocco’s exporters, who have relied on road freight through Spain and France, which takes longer and faces potential delays and higher carbon-related costs.

The company has secured a long-term agreement with the Moroccan Fruit Board to support the export of Moroccan fresh products.

Ólafsson said the move reflects growing demand from European buyers for fresher produce with a smaller carbon footprint. “This service allows us to transport vegetables by container, which was previously only possible by truck,” he noted.

A boost to Morocco’s export growth

Morocco’s exports reached 456.3 billion dirhams in 2024, driven by agriculture and the automotive sector. The launch of Samskip’s new maritime service comes at a time when exporters are looking for more reliable cold chain logistics to maintain quality in the European market.

The country’s broader transport landscape remains varied. Europe-bound goods typically travel by sea in about five days or by road in two to three days via Spain.

Air freight serves high-value or urgent shipments but costs more. Rail transport inside Morocco is limited and not yet linked to export corridors.

Industry observers say the new route will help reduce spoilage and maintain product quality during long-distance transport. It also offers exporters greater flexibility in meeting delivery schedules, especially during peak harvest seasons.

By providing a direct link to key European markets and cutting emissions, Samskip’s “Highway of the Sea” marks a practical step in strengthening Morocco’s fresh produce trade. With improved cold chain reliability, Moroccan growers and exporters can better compete in demanding international markets while meeting sustainability targets.

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