By: Logistics middle east

DP World has launched a new maritime service, named Atlas, designed to revolutionize the transport of fresh produce from Morocco to European markets. The inaugural voyage set sail from Agadir on November 25, 2025, and is scheduled to arrive at London Gateway and Antwerp Gateway by early December. This service establishes a dedicated, temperature-controlled sea corridor specifically for fruit and vegetable transport.

The primary goal of the Atlas service is to shift a significant volume of cargo from long-haul trucking to a more sustainable sea route. DP World estimates the service will transfer up to 150,000 tonnes of produce annually from road to sea. This shift is projected to reduce emissions by up to 70% per ton-kilometer, representing a major step toward decarbonizing the fresh produce supply chain.

The service promises enhanced reliability and quality for perishable goods. It replaces a 3,000-kilometer road journey with a shorter, more predictable maritime link. To support this, DP World has invested in 1,250 new 40-foot high-cube reefer containers and deployed vessels from its Unifeeder network to ensure consistent weekly sailings carrying items like tomatoes, blueberries, and citrus.

A key feature of the Atlas service is its integrated digital platform, which provides full traceability and end-to-end visibility for shippers. This system allows for real-time cargo monitoring and ensures schedule certainty. Fixed berthing windows and pre-booked inspections are designed to give exporters and importers a level of predictability previously difficult to achieve in this market.

The initiative significantly boosts Morocco's export competitiveness. With the country exporting over 1.1 million metric tonnes of fruit and vegetables to Western Europe annually, the new service provides a more resilient and efficient route-to-market. DP World executives state that this enhances Morocco's role as a key supplier of high-quality agricultural products and supports sustainable growth for local farmers.

The launch of the Atlas service is a strategic move by DP World to expand its integrated cold-chain footprint. By creating a faster, more reliable, and environmentally friendly logistics corridor, the company is addressing the growing European demand for Moroccan produce while helping its customers meet their climate goals and secure their supply chains.