First Ship Arrives As DP World Unveils Game-Changing Morocco–UK Service
- Sarah-Jayne Gratton
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
In a major boost to fresh-produce logistics, DP World has launched its new DP World Atlas service, creating a dedicated shipping link between Morocco, the UK and Europe. The move marks a significant shift in how fruit and vegetables will move across the region, promising faster, cleaner and more reliable transport for exporters and buyers alike.
The inaugural vessel, the M/V BF Carp, arrived in the Port of Agadir yesterday (17 November), delivering more than 400 brand-new reefer containers in preparation for its first northbound journey to London Gateway and Antwerp.
“We are very pleased to announce the arrival of the first ship in our new shipping service, DP World Atlas, connecting Morocco with the UK and Europe," said Dirk Hoffmann, Commercial Director at DP World Atlas.
"The M/V BF Carp has arrived in the Port of Agadir to discharge over 400 brand new reefer containers. The ship will commence her first Northbound voyage to DP World’s London Gateway and Antwerp Gateway ports next week.
"We are now officially open for business, and we welcome you to make bookings with us for our first voyage."
A Step-Change for Moroccan Exporters
The new service is designed to cut transit times for Moroccan produce heading to the UK by up to two days, helping secure better product quality on arrival while reducing logistics costs.
Crucially, shifting cargo from road to sea is expected to cut carbon emissions by around 70%, offering exporters a far more sustainable route into Europe.
Morocco currently exports over 6.5 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables to Western Europe each year, with demand continuing to grow at more than 20% annually. Against this backdrop, a direct, dependable maritime route comes at an ideal moment for growers and importers.
The Atlas service links the ports of Agadir and Casablanca with DP World’s hubs at London Gateway and Antwerp Gateway, integrating the route into DP World’s wider logistics network to ensure smoother, faster movement of goods.
Why It Matters
Quality & Freshness:
A sea route eliminates many of the risks associated with long-haul road transport, including border delays, congestion and unnecessary handling — all of which can compromise product condition.
Cost & Efficiency:
Avoiding the heavily congested Tangier/Algeciras and Calais/Dover corridors provides a more streamlined path to market across more than 3,000 km of supply chain.
Sustainability:
By shifting up to 150,000 tonnes of fresh produce each year from road to sea, the Atlas route offers a significant reduction in emissions, supporting supplier and retailer sustainability goals.
What’s Next?
The M/V BF Carp is scheduled to depart on its maiden northbound voyage next week, carrying Moroccan produce to the UK and Belgium. It will return to Agadir on 24 November and set off again the following evening — the first of what will become regular, reliable sailings now that the service is officially up and running.
The Bigger Picture
For the UK’s fruit and vegetable sector, the Atlas service arrives at a time when supply chain resilience, environmental responsibility and consistent product quality are all under unprecedented scrutiny.
For Moroccan growers and exporters, the service unlocks a direct, efficient gateway into two of Europe’s most important fresh-produce markets — just as demand for Moroccan supply continues to rise.
The DP World Atlas Sailing Schedule is available to download above and for booking information email: bookings@globemarine.org
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