The logistics group’s new weekly service will transport up to 150,000 tonnes of fresh produce annually from Morocco’s key growing regions to UK and EU retail networks
DP World’s first ever Atlas service has arrived at London Gateway, a connection that the logistics group has said is ”revolutionising fresh produce logistics between Morocco, the UK and Europe”.
The maiden service, which is also bound for DP World-owned terminal Antwerp Gateway, berthed at London Gateway on 1 December.
”This new dedicated sea route will transform the way fruit and vegetables are transported to the UK and Europe – delivering fresher produce faster and at lower cost, while slashing carbon emissions by up to 70 per cent,” DP World stated.
By shifting up to 150,000 tonnes of fresh produce annually from road to sea, the service offers a scalable, sustainable logistics solution that reduces emissions by up to 250kg CO2/tonne-km, it said.
“The launch of our first Atlas service from Agadir marks a major step forward in sustainable logistics,” noted Rashid Abdulla, MD and chief executive of DP World Europe.
”This tailor-made solution combines speed, reliability and digital transparency to deliver better quality produce to retailers and consumers – while helping our customers meet climate goals.”
Each weekly sailing will transport tomatoes, blueberries, peppers and citrus from Morocco’s key growing regions to UK and EU retail networks.
DP World pointed out that, unlike traditional trucking routes that span over 3,000km, the Atlas service ensures a ”smoother, safer journey for produce”.
The use of DP World’s Unifeeder vessels and 1,250 brand new 40ft high cube refrigerated containers (reefers) guarantees freshness and condition upon arrival, it said.
To support the service, DP World has invested in 1,000 40ft high-cube and 750 20ft dry containers, ensuring capacity for both fresh and general cargo.
Full visibility is provided via a state-of-the-art digital platform, offering true end-to-end supply chain transparency.
The southbound service sails from London Gateway to Antwerp Gateway on to Casablanca and back to Agadir.
Morocco currently exports over 1.1mn tonnes of fruit and vegetables annually to Western Europe, with volume growth expected at more than 10 per cent year-on-year.
The Atlas service is designed to meet this rising demand while supporting Morocco’s position as a leading exporter of high-quality produce.
“I welcome the introduction of this maritime link between the UK and Morocco, which is a clear signal of our shared ambition to deepen trade ties,” explained Ben Coleman MP, UK trade envoy to Kingdom of Morocco and Francophone West Africa.
”Developing new trade routes is an important part of the UK government’s growth agenda.”
”This service will strengthen supply chains and unlock export opportunities for UK and Moroccan businesses,” he said.
Claus Larner, vice president, perishables at DP World, commented that Morocco’s export sector is booming, but road transport was limiting its potential.
”The Atlas Service underlines DP World’s long-term commitment to Morocco and our customers,” he added.
”By integrating ports, ships and digital platforms, we’re creating an unbroken supply chain from field to shelf.”
