DP World has launched its first Atlas service. The new route links Morocco with the UK and Europe. The first vessel arrived at London Gateway on 1 December. The service also calls at DP World’s Antwerp Gateway terminal.
The new route changes how fresh produce reaches Europe. Firstly, it delivers fruit and vegetables faster and reduces transport costs. Also, it cuts emissions by up to 70% compared with road transport.
The service will move up to 150,000 tonnes of fresh produce each year from road to sea. It can reduce emissions by up to 250kg of CO₂ per tonne-kilometre.
The weekly sailing carries tomatoes, blueberries, peppers, and citrus fruit. These goods come from Morocco’s main farming regions. The service delivers them to the UK and EU retail networks.
The route replaces road journeys of more than 3,000 kilometres. Sea transport provides a smoother trip. It reduces damage and delays.
DP World operates the service with Unifeeder vessels. It uses 1,250 new refrigerated containers. These 40-foot high-cube reefers protect cargo quality from origin to destination.
DP World also invested in new equipment. It added 1,000 high-cube containers and 750 twenty-foot dry containers. This ensures extra capacity for fresh and general cargo.
A digital platform tracks every shipment. Customers get real-time visibility. They can monitor temperature, location and status.
The southbound route sails from London Gateway to Antwerp. It then continues to Casablanca and Agadir. The return leg carries exports northbound to Europe and the UK.
Morocco exports more than 1.1 million metric tonnes of produce to Western Europe each year. Volumes grow by more than 10% annually. The Atlas service supports this growth.
Rashid Abdulla, MD and CEO of DP World Europe, said:
“The Atlas service from Agadir marks a major step in sustainable logistics. We built the service for speed and reliability. We also designed it for full transparency. It delivers better produce and helps customers meet climate goals.”
Ben Coleman MP, UK Trade Envoy to Morocco and Francophone West Africa, said:
“This service strengthens trade between the UK and Morocco. It supports growth in both markets. It also improves supply chain reliability.”
Claus Larner, Vice President, Perishables at DP World, said:
“Morocco’s export industry is expanding fast. Road transport limits growth. The Atlas service removes those limits. We now offer a true field-to-shelf supply chain.”
The service runs on a fixed weekly schedule. It uses dedicated cold-storage space. It guarantees day-certain arrival in London and Antwerp.
Exporters get priority inspections. They also receive guaranteed reefer plug-ins and terminal access. Importers benefit from faster customs clearance and inland delivery.
