World unveils a new shipping route between Morocco, the UK, and Northern Europe, promising faster delivery times and reduced carbon emissions for fresh produce exports.">
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A transformative Shipping Service is set to connect Morocco with key markets in the United Kingdom and Northern Europe, beginning in november 2025.This new route, developed by DP world, anticipates a reduction of as much as two days in export times for fresh fruits and vegetables destined for Britain.
Revolutionizing Produce Transport: The ‘Atlas’ Service
Table of Contents
- 1. Revolutionizing Produce Transport: The ‘Atlas’ Service
- 2. Mitigating Supply Chain Risks and Optimizing Efficiency
- 3. Investing in Infrastructure and Digital Transparency
- 4. The Growing Importance of Sustainable Supply Chains
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions about DP World’s New Shipping Service
- 6. What potential impacts could the reduced transit times have on the price and availability of Moroccan fruit in the UK during the winter months?
- 7. DP World Launches Morocco-UK Shipping Route, Reducing Fruit Export Times by Two Days
- 8. streamlining Fresh Produce logistics: A New Era for Morocco-UK Trade
- 9. The Route Details: Ports and Frequency
- 10. Impact on moroccan Fruit exports
- 11. Benefits for UK Consumers and Retailers
- 12. Reefer Container Technology: Maintaining Fruit Quality
- 13. DP World’s Wider Strategy: Connecting Global Trade
The newly established “Atlas” service is designed to streamline the movement of goods between Morocco’s notable agricultural hubs in Agadir and Casablanca, and DP World’s strategically located terminals in London Gateway and Antwerp Gateway.This targeted approach aims to deliver superior quality produce to both UK and European consumers.
DP World anticipates that this initiative will facilitate the transport of up to 150,000 tonnes of fresh produce annually via sea rather of road. The expected outcome is a substantial decrease in carbon emissions – up to 250kg of CO₂ per ton-kilometer, equating to a 70 percent reduction when compared to traditional trucking methods.
Mitigating Supply Chain Risks and Optimizing Efficiency
Unlike lengthy road journeys exceeding 3,000 kilometers, the maritime route circumvents common logistical challenges. This includes avoiding traffic congestion, eliminating border-related delays, and minimizing the risk of damage or theft to sensitive products like tomatoes and blueberries.
Rashid Abdulla, Managing director and Chief executive Officer of DP World Europe, stated the company is delivering a tailored solution. He emphasized the service’s key attributes – dependability, swift transit times, and a state-of-the-art IT infrastructure – as vital components in providing exporters and retailers with a compelling alternative to road transport. This approach will ensure both improved produce quality and reduced costs, alongside significant reductions in carbon emissions.
Investing in Infrastructure and Digital Transparency
To support the ‘Atlas’ service, DP World has made significant capital investments. This includes the acquisition of a new fleet of 1,250 refrigerated containers, complemented by 1,000 40-foot high cube containers and 750 20-foot dry containers. These investments are designed to meet the growing demand for general cargo transportation between morocco, the UK, and Northern europe.
Complete oversight of the supply chain will be provided through DP World’s CARGOES digital platform. This system will provide real-time end-to-end supply chain visibility, enhancing transparency and control for all stakeholders.
Currently, Morocco exports over 6.5 million metric tonnes of fruits and vegetables annually to Western europe,a figure that shows a year-on-year increase exceeding 20 percent. Favorable trade agreements and government policies are further fueling this expansion, positioning sustainable sea freight as a timely and attractive alternative to road transportation.
markus rodatz, Chief Operating Officer, Freight Europe at DP World, underscored the company’s commitment to building smarter, more sustainable, and resilient supply chains. He highlighted that the new service assures growers and retailers that their produce will arrive fresher, faster, and in optimal condition, while concurrently reducing emissions by 70 percent. He concluded by stating that this investment demonstrates DP World’s commitment to facilitating trade and assisting customers in achieving their sustainability objectives.
| Feature | Traditional Trucking | DP World ‘Atlas’ Service |
|---|---|---|
| Transit Time | 5-7 days | 3-5 days |
| Carbon Emissions | High | 70% Reduction |
| Risk of Delays | High (congestion, borders) | Low |
| Produce Quality | Potential for Damage | Improved Preservation |
Did you Know? morocco is rapidly becoming a significant exporter of organic fruits and vegetables, with demand from European markets steadily increasing.
Pro Tip: Supply chain visibility platforms like DP World’s CARGOES are crucial for proactive risk management and efficient inventory control.
What impact do you foresee this new shipping service having on the cost of fresh produce for consumers? How will sustainable shipping initiatives like this shape the future of global trade?
The Growing Importance of Sustainable Supply Chains
In recent years, there’s been a surge in demand for sustainable supply chain solutions. According to a 2023 report by the Supply Chain Dive, 85% of consumers say they are more likely to purchase products from companies with sustainable practices. This trend is driving investment in initiatives like DP World’s ‘Atlas’ service, which prioritize environmental responsibility alongside logistical efficiency.The move towards sea freight, notably with modern, fuel-efficient vessels, aligns with broader decarbonization efforts within the shipping industry, as highlighted by the International Maritime organization’s (IMO) goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Frequently Asked Questions about DP World’s New Shipping Service
- What is the primary benefit of the DP World ‘Atlas’ service? It significantly reduces export times and carbon emissions for produce shipments from Morocco to the UK and northern Europe.
- What types of produce will benefit most from this service? Delicate fruits and vegetables like tomatoes and blueberries, which require careful handling and rapid transit times.
- How is DP World reducing the carbon footprint of this service? By shifting cargo from road transport to sea freight, resulting in a 70% reduction in CO₂ emissions per ton-kilometer.
- What is the CARGOES platform? it’s DP World’s digital platform providing end-to-end visibility and transparency throughout the supply chain.
- How much has DP World invested in supporting this new service? The company has invested in a fleet of over 2,900 containers (refrigerated, high cube, and dry) to meet growing demand.
- What is the projected annual volume of produce transported via the ‘Atlas’ service? Up to 150,000 tonnes of fresh produce annually.
- Is Morocco’s agricultural export market growing? Yes, Morocco’s fruit and vegetable exports to Western Europe are increasing by over 20% year-on-year.
Share your thoughts on this exciting growth in international trade and sustainability in the comments below!
What potential impacts could the reduced transit times have on the price and availability of Moroccan fruit in the UK during the winter months?
DP World Launches Morocco-UK Shipping Route, Reducing Fruit Export Times by Two Days
streamlining Fresh Produce logistics: A New Era for Morocco-UK Trade
DP World has announced the launch of a new direct shipping route connecting Morocco and the United Kingdom, considerably cutting down transit times for crucial fruit exports. this progress promises to revolutionize the supply chain for Moroccan produce destined for British consumers, reducing delivery times by an notable two days.The route focuses on optimizing the transport of fresh fruits – including citrus fruits, berries, and stone fruits – vital components of the UK’s import market. This initiative directly addresses concerns around freshness, shelf life, and overall supply chain efficiency.
The Route Details: Ports and Frequency
The new service operates between the port of Tangier Med in Morocco and ports in the UK, specifically Tilbury and Portsmouth. This strategic choice of ports allows for efficient distribution across the UK.
Tangier Med: Morocco’s largest port, offering excellent connectivity and infrastructure for handling large volumes of cargo.
Tilbury: A major UK port specializing in handling perishable goods and offering excellent road and rail links.
Portsmouth: A key southern UK port, providing access to regional distribution networks.
Currently,the service is operating with a weekly frequency,with DP World indicating potential for increased sailings based on demand. This dedicated route bypasses traditional, longer routes via mainland Europe, directly impacting transit times. The service utilizes modern reefer (refrigerated) containers to maintain optimal conditions for temperature-sensitive fruit during transit.
Impact on moroccan Fruit exports
morocco is a notable exporter of fresh produce to the UK, especially during the winter months when UK-grown fruit is out of season. This new route offers considerable benefits to Moroccan exporters:
Reduced Transit Times: the two-day reduction in shipping time translates to fresher produce on UK shelves, increasing market value and consumer appeal.
Lower Transportation costs: While not explicitly stated, a more direct route often leads to reduced fuel consumption and overall transportation expenses.
enhanced supply Chain Reliability: A dedicated route minimizes potential delays associated with transshipment and congestion at major European hubs.
Increased Competitiveness: Moroccan exporters can now offer a more competitive product in the UK market due to improved freshness and reliability.
Growth Potential: The streamlined logistics are expected to encourage increased export volumes from Morocco to the UK.
Benefits for UK Consumers and Retailers
The benefits extend beyond Moroccan exporters, positively impacting the UK market:
Fresher Fruit: Consumers will have access to fresher, higher-quality fruit, particularly during the winter months.
Stable Supply: The improved reliability of the supply chain ensures a more consistent availability of Moroccan fruit in UK supermarkets.
Potential for Lower Prices: Increased efficiency and reduced transportation costs could translate to more competitive pricing for consumers.
Reduced Food Waste: Faster delivery times minimize the risk of spoilage during transit, contributing to reduced food waste.
* Support for UK-Morocco Trade Relations: The initiative strengthens the economic ties between the UK and Morocco.
Reefer Container Technology: Maintaining Fruit Quality
The success of this route hinges on the effective use of reefer container technology. These specialized containers are equipped with:
- Precise Temperature Control: maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial for preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of fruit.
- Humidity Management: Controlling humidity levels prevents dehydration and maintains the fruit’s texture and appearance.
- Ventilation Systems: Proper ventilation ensures adequate air circulation, preventing the build-up of gases that can accelerate ripening and spoilage.
- Remote Monitoring: Real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, and other critical parameters allows for proactive intervention if issues arise during transit.
- Data Logging: Detailed data logs provide a complete record of the conditions experienced by the fruit during transport, ensuring traceability and accountability.
DP World’s Wider Strategy: Connecting Global Trade
This new morocco-UK route is part of DP World’s broader strategy to enhance global trade connectivity and optimize supply chains.the company
