How is DP World Increasing Food Supply Chain Efficiency?
DP World has unveiled a groundbreaking new service linking Morocco to the UK and Northern Europe, cutting export times for fresh food and delivering better quality produce.
The service will help cut food waste and carbon emissions dramatically, and builds on DP World's bid to build more sustainable supply chains.
The logistics and transportation giant is also investing in new fleets to sustain customer demand.
Creating higher visibility
Every year, Morocco exports more than 6.5m tonnes of fruit and vegetables to Western Europe, with volumes increasing more than 20% year-on-year. What's more, thanks to trade agreements and growing policies, momentum in this area is growing exponentially.
To cope with demand, sea freight is becoming a much more viable alternative to road freight. DP World's new route uses DP World-owned Unifeeder's vessels and refrigerated containers (reefers) as a sustainable alternative to the congestion between Tangier and Algeciras and Calais and Dover.
DP World has invested in 1,250 new, modern reefers in order to maintain freshness of products. A fleet of 1,000 dry containers will help meet customer demand between North Europe, the UK and Morocco.
Through its digital platform, CARGOES, DP World will provide full visibility and a thorough end-to-end supply chain.
“We are launching a bespoke solution from Morocco to the UK and the continent," comments Rashid Abdulla, MD and CEO at DP World Europe.
"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 significantly reduced carbon emissions.”
More efficient food supply chains
The new service, 'Atlas', connects Morocco to the UK and Europe in a pathway dedicated to efficiency and speed.
Key hubs at Agadir and Casablanca in Morocco will be connected to DP World-owned ports and terminals London Gateway and Antwerp Gateway. Two dedicated vessels will be working the service, starting from November 2025.
Part of the service includes the distribution of high-quality, fresh produce from the Antwerp Gateway across Europe.
DP World will cut export times for fruit and vegetable shipments in the UK by up to two days, meaning the food reaching retailers and consumers will be fresher and of higher quality. The efficient route means carbon footprint will be reduced.
According to The Consumer Goods Forum, around 1.3bn tonnes of edible food is wasted every year, contributing to 3.3bn tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
The new service is set to slash food waste around the UK and Europe, with consumers buying products in better condition and with a longer shelf life.
Markus Rodatz, Chief Operating Officer for Freight in Europe at DP World, says: “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%.
"By investing in this route from Morocco to the UK and the continent, we are making trade flow and helping our customers meet their sustainability goals.”
Reducing transport emissions
The new route means up to 150,000 tonnes of fresh produce will be moved from road to sea every year.
Emissions will be cut by up to 250kg CO₂/tonne-km, representing a 70% reduction in comparison to traditional trucking.
Previously, the 3,000+km journey experienced issues relating to congestion, delays and vandalism at border crossings. Now, with the sea route, such risks are avoided, resulting in a much smoother and safer journey.
Furthermore, delicate produce such as tomatoes and blueberries – typically at higher risk of damage on rough roads – are better protected in this smoother passage option.
Ultimately, Atlas looks sure to bring higher-quality fruit and vegetables to the UK and Europe thanks to DP World's reliable solutions and infrastructure.
