DP World Makes History As First Reefers Loaded On Fast, New Morocco-UK Service
- gillmcshane
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
DP World’s new Atlas Service is officially on the water after the first reefer containers were loaded onto the M/V BF Carp on Tuesday (25 November), marking the historic launch of this transformative shipping route that will deliver Moroccan fresh produce to buyers and retailers in the UK and Europe via a quicker, greener, and more reliable service.
Departing from the Port of Agadir, the inaugural northbound voyage is now bound for London Gateway and Antwerp Gateway. The dedicated sea route reduces by two days the transit time for Moroccan fruit and vegetable exports to the UK, thereby improving product quality while lowering its carbon footprint.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you very much for helping to make history last night,” exclaimed Dirk Hoffman, Commercial Director at DP World Atlas, in a customer announcement. “We are absolutely delighted to be part of helping the Souss-Massa‘s agriculture sector to get your quality produce to consumers in the UK and Europe.”
The news was welcomed by Nigel Jenny, CEO of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) as a significant step in shoring up the important flow of fresh produce between Morocco and the UK.
“This bespoke solution for the fresh produce sector ensures the freshness and quality of a diverse range of Moroccan fresh produce for UK consumers to enjoy,” Jenney commented. “Congratulations on launching this important logistics solution, which I’m confident will grow and grow in popularity."
The M/V BF Carp delivered over 400 brand-new reefer containers to the Port of Agadir on 17 November, ready for the first northbound voyage.
The DP World Atlas shipping service connects key hubs at Agadir and Casablanca with DP World-owned ports and terminals London Gateway and Antwerp Gateway.
DP World said the new Morocco-UK route will deliver better quality fruits and vegetables, faster and with lower costs, by offering a smoother passage for perishables that avoids the typical delays and challenges associated with traditional trucking.
Additionally, the service presents a sustainable logistics solution that cuts carbon emissions by 70% since it will convert 150,000 tonnes of fresh produce exports from road to sea.
Currently, Morocco exports over 6.5 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables annually to Western Europe, with volumes growing at over 20% year-on-year.
Trade agreements and supportive policies are accelerating this momentum, making sea freight a timely and viable alternative to road.
Two dedicated vessels will sail on the DP World Atlas service; the M/V BF Carp and the M/V BF Perch.
Bookings are open now for the next vessel, the M/V BF Perch, which will arrive at the Port of Agadir on Monday 1 December and depart on Tuesday 2 December.
DP World said a new booking platform is up and running already, enabling customers to book directly online.
The DP World Atlas Sailing Schedule is available to download below.
For booking information, email: bookings@globemarine.org