The new “Atlas” service connects key hubs in Agadir and Casablanca in Morocco, with ports and terminals owned by DP World, London Gateway and Antwerp Gateway, using two dedicated vessels starting in November 2025. The service will also bring improved quality products to Antwerp for distribution throughout Europe.

When moving to 150.000 tonnes of fresh produce from road to sea each year, the route offers a sustainable, large-scale logistics solution that reduces emissions by up to 250 kg of CO₂/tonne-km. This represents a 70% reduction compared to traditional road transport.

Unlike road transport on the 3.000+km journey, the new maritime service Avoids congestion, episodes of serious vandalism and delays at border crossings, while offering a smoother ride for delicate produce like tomatoes and blueberries, which are prone to damage on bumpy roads.

The maritime route, which uses the refrigerated vessels and containers (reefer) of Unifeeder, owned by DP World, also offers a sustainable alternative to congestion experienced in water crossings between Tangier and Algeciras and Calais and Dover for cargo destined for the United Kingdom.

Rashid Abdulla, Managing Director and CEO of DP World Europe, said: “We are launching a tailored solution from Morocco to the UK and the continent. The key elements of this service – Reliability, fast transit times, and a modern IT platform – will provide exporters and retailers with a viable alternative to current truck transport and ensure higher-quality products at lower costs with significantly reduced carbon emissions.”

DP World's new fleet of refrigerated containers.

To ensure condition and freshness, DP World has invested in a fleet of 1.250 new, modern reefers. In addition, a fleet of 1.000 4' high-cube containers and 750 20' dry containers will meet the growing demand for general cargo flows between Northern Europe, the United Kingdom, and Morocco. DP World will provide full visibility through its exclusive CARGOES digital platform to provide a truly end-to-end supply chain.

Morocco exports more than 6,5 million tons annually fruit and vegetable metrics to Western Europe, with volumes growing by more than 20% year-on-year. Trade agreements and supportive policies are accelerating this momentum, making maritime transport a timely and viable alternative to road transport.

Markus Rodatz, COO of Freight Europe at DP World, said: “We are committed to building smarter, more sustainable and resilient supply chainsThe new service gives producers and retailers the confidence that their products will arrive fresher, faster, and in optimal condition, while reducing emissions by 70%. By investing in Morocco for the UK and the continent, we're keeping trade flowing and helping our customers achieve their sustainability goals.

DP World will formally launch the new shipping service at an event in Agadir, Morocco, on September 18.