DP World said it could cut export times for fruit and veg shipments by up to two days when it launches a Morocco to UK and Northern Europe service.
The global logistics company said its ‘Atlas’ route connected hubs at Agadir and Casablanca in Morocco, with DP World owned ports and terminals, London Gateway and Antwerp Gateway, using two vessels starting in November
It added that the service would also take improved quality produce into Antwerp for distribution in Europe.
DP World said that by moving up to 150,000 tonnes of fresh produce from road to sea each year, the route delivered a sustainable logistics solution that reduced emissions by up to 250kg CO₂/ton-km. This is a 70% reduction compared to traditional trucking.
Rashid Abdulla, MD and CEO, at DP World Europe, said: “The key elements of this service – reliability, fast transit times and modern IT platform – will provide exporters and retailers with a viable alternative to the current transportation by truck and ensure improved quality produce at lower cost with a significantly reduced carbon emissions.”
Markus Rodatz, DP World Freight Europe COO, added: “We are committed to building smarter, more sustainable and more resilient supply chains.
“The new service gives growers and retailers the confidence that their produce will arrive fresher, faster and in peak condition, while cutting emissions by 70%.”
