DP World is launching a new maritime service designed to streamline the shipment of fresh produce between Morocco, the UK, and Northern Europe. Set to begin operations in November, the service—named “Atlas”—will link the Moroccan ports of Agadir and Casablanca with DP World-operated terminals in London Gateway and Antwerp Gateway. The primary aim is to create a faster, cleaner, and more cost-efficient route for perishable goods, cutting down transit times, operational expenses, and carbon emissions all at once.
The Atlas line will operate with two dedicated vessels, offering regular sailings that promise to shave nearly two days off current delivery times to the UK. The route is expected to transfer up to 150,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables—previously transported by road—to this new sea corridor. The environmental benefits are substantial: CO₂ emissions could drop by as much as 70%, amounting to a reduction of around 250 kilograms of CO₂ per tonne-kilometer.
Beyond environmental gains, the switch to maritime transport also sidesteps many of the issues plaguing road freight. Congestion, unpredictable border delays, and the risk of vandalism are frequent challenges for trucking routes, particularly in high-traffic corridors. For temperature-sensitive goods like blueberries and tomatoes, the shift is also a quality upgrade. The service will rely on refrigerated containers, ensuring better preservation throughout the journey.
Operated by DP World’s subsidiary Unifeeder, the Atlas route presents itself as a viable alternative to the often-congested maritime crossings between Tangier and Algeciras, or Calais and Dover. To support the initiative, DP World has invested in an expanded container fleet, including 1,250 brand-new refrigerated units, 1,000 40-foot high-cube containers, and 750 standard 20-foot dry containers. A digital platform will provide end-to-end logistics tracking, giving clients full visibility from origin to final destination.
Morocco currently exports over 6.5 million tonnes of fresh produce annually to Western Europe, a figure that continues to grow. The introduction of the Atlas line is part of a broader effort to modernize supply chains and promote more sustainable transportation solutions. An official launch ceremony is scheduled for September 18 in Agadir.
