DP World Launches “Atlas” Service to Boost Fresh Produce Trade

DP World, a leading global trade enabler, has announced a new shipping service called “Atlas” that will connect Morocco with the United Kingdom and Northern Europe. This innovative service is designed to deliver fresh fruit and vegetables faster, at lower costs, and with a much smaller impact on the environment. By using sea transport instead of long road journeys, DP World aims to improve the quality of produce while reducing carbon emissions significantly.

Connecting Morocco with Europe

The new “Atlas” service will link key ports in Morocco—Agadir and Casablanca—with DP World-owned terminals at London Gateway in the UK and Antwerp Gateway in Belgium. This service will operate using two dedicated vessels, starting in November 2025.

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The main purpose of this service is to ensure that fresh produce like tomatoes, blueberries, and other delicate fruits and vegetables reach European markets quickly and in better condition. By shifting the transportation from road to sea, the produce avoids delays caused by heavy traffic, road damage, and border checks, which often affect trucks traveling over 3,000 kilometers.

Faster Transit, Fresher Produce

With the Atlas service, export times for Moroccan fruit and vegetable shipments to the UK could be reduced by up to two days. This faster delivery means that supermarkets and retailers can offer fresher produce to consumers.

Rashid Abdulla, Managing Director and CEO at DP World Europe, highlighted the key benefits of this service. He explained that the reliability, fast transit times, and advanced IT platform of the service provide exporters and retailers with a strong alternative to road transport. It also ensures produce arrives in peak condition and helps lower transportation costs.

A Sustainable Choice

One of the major advantages of the new sea route is its environmental impact. By moving cargo from road to sea, DP World expects to reduce carbon emissions by up to 70% compared to traditional trucking.

Each year, the service plans to transport up to 150,000 tonnes of fresh produce using modern, refrigerated containers called reefers. This move not only protects the quality of the produce but also contributes to a more sustainable supply chain. The reduction in carbon emissions is estimated at 250 kilograms of CO₂ per ton-kilometer, making this a greener option for transporting food.

Markus Rodatz, Chief Operating Officer, Freight Europe, at DP World, said that the service reflects the company’s commitment to smarter, sustainable, and resilient supply chains. It gives growers and retailers the confidence that their goods will arrive fresher, faster, and in excellent condition, while also supporting environmental sustainability goals.

Investment in Modern Equipment

To ensure the produce remains fresh throughout the journey, DP World has invested in 1,250 new refrigerated containers. These containers maintain optimal temperatures for fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, DP World has added 1,000 high cube 4’ containers and 750 dry containers to meet growing demand for general cargo between North Europe, the UK, and Morocco. These modern containers, combined with DP World’s CARGOES digital platform, provide full visibility of shipments, allowing exporters and retailers to track their goods in real-time.

Avoiding Road Challenges

Transporting produce over long distances by road has many challenges. Trucks often face traffic congestion, road damage, border delays, and even theft or vandalism. Fresh fruits and vegetables are particularly vulnerable to damage during bumpy or delayed journeys.

The Atlas service eliminates these risks by offering a smoother sea route. It also bypasses congestion at critical crossings like Tangier to Algeciras and Calais to Dover, which are commonly experienced by cargo traveling by road or conventional sea routes.

By using dedicated vessels and modern reefer containers, DP World ensures that the delicate nature of fruits and vegetables is preserved during the journey.

Supporting Morocco’s Growing Exports

Morocco is a major exporter of fruit and vegetables to Western Europe, sending over 6.5 million metric tonnes annually. This trade has been growing at more than 20% per year, thanks to supportive trade agreements and government policies.

The Atlas service comes at a perfect time as exporters look for faster, more reliable, and sustainable shipping options. By providing a sea transport alternative, DP World is helping Moroccan growers and European retailers meet the increasing demand for fresh produce while maintaining quality and sustainability.

Improved Logistics and Technology

DP World’s advanced CARGOES digital platform offers end-to-end visibility of shipments. This means exporters can monitor the journey of their produce in real-time, from loading at Moroccan ports to arrival in London or Antwerp.

The service uses modern refrigerated containers to maintain temperature and quality. It also supports general cargo flows, ensuring that other goods can travel efficiently between Morocco and Europe alongside fresh produce.

This investment in technology and equipment underlines DP World’s commitment to providing innovative solutions for global trade.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

The Atlas service benefits multiple stakeholders:

• Retailers and consumers receive fresher, higher-quality produce.

• Growers and exporters enjoy faster transit times and reduced costs.

• Environment sees a significant reduction in carbon emissions, helping meet sustainability targets.

By reducing the need for trucks and offering a cleaner sea route, the service reduces traffic on roads, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and helps preserve delicate produce from damage.

Launch Event

DP World plans to formally launch the Atlas service at an event in Agadir, Morocco, on 18 September 2025. The event will highlight the benefits of the service for the Moroccan export industry, European retailers, and the environment.

DP World’s new Atlas service is a major step forward in transporting fresh produce from Morocco to Europe. It combines speed, reliability, sustainability, and modern technology to provide a complete solution for growers, exporters, and retailers.

By moving shipments from road to sea, DP World ensures that fruits and vegetables arrive fresher, faster, and at a lower cost, while cutting carbon emissions by 70%. This service not only improves the quality of the supply chain but also supports environmental sustainability, making it a win-win for all parties involved.

With modern containers, digital tracking, and dedicated vessels, the Atlas service sets a new standard for fresh produce logistics, helping Moroccan exports reach Europe efficiently and sustainably.

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