DP World expands fresh produce shipping from Morocco to Europe and UK

MOROCCO – DP World is introducing a shipping initiative to transport fresh produce from Morocco to Europe and the UK using its terminals.

By shifting from traditional trucking to maritime transport, the company aims to enhance efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by 70%.

“We have made big investments in end-to-end solutions for the perishable industry,” said Kai Olschner, DP World’s Global Vice President of Supply Chain Engineering. “With our cold chain offerings, we have implemented the use of various technologies such as thermal blankets, dry ice, and active containers, which maintain stable temperatures for the goods we move throughout their journeys.”

The company’s new initiative, set to launch at the end of the year, is expected to offer a more sustainable and reliable alternative to road transport.

Traditionally, goods have been moved by trucks along this route, but DP World is shifting them to ships, reducing emissions and improving efficiency.

The shipping industry has faced disruptions in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and climate-related challenges.

These factors have increased the need for resilient supply chains. DP World is addressing these concerns by optimizing port efficiency and minimizing delays, ensuring that perishable goods reach their destinations on time.

DP World is also leveraging technology to enhance efficiency. “Our own IT platform, Cargoes, allows for this, offering end-to-end integration of logistics, customs, and terminal operations to enhance efficiency,” Olschner explained.

“They provide real-time tracking, predictive analytics, and automation to streamline processes and reduce delays.”

Beyond efficiency, DP World prioritizes sustainability. The company is part of the Move to -15°C initiative, a global effort to reduce carbon emissions by adjusting the standard storage temperature of frozen goods from -18°C to -15°C.

This adjustment maintains product quality while significantly lowering energy consumption and the industry’s overall environmental impact.

Strengthening trade infrastructure

DP World continues to expand its global trade routes and logistics infrastructure. Recently, the company enhanced its perishables supply chain in Romania by opening new trade routes for fruit producers to access markets in the Middle East.

“For example, we recently enhanced our perishables supply chain in Romania, by opening up new routes for fruit producers in the country to new markets in the Middle East,” Olschner said.

“This allowed Romanian suppliers to tap into new regions that were previously out of reach, but also provided greater access to foreign goods for customers in the Middle East.”

The company is also advancing the US$80 million Sokhna Logistics Park in Egypt, now 65% complete.

Located in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, the facility will support trade operations and strengthen supply chains in the region. Its strategic position near Sokhna Port ensures efficient cargo movement and improved access to Greater Cairo’s major markets and industrial zones.

DP World’s investments in London Gateway and European inland terminals further highlight its commitment to trade connectivity.

Additionally, the company is expanding its presence in emerging markets, such as West Africa, where its investment in Senegal’s Port of Dakar aims to facilitate trade between Africa and Europe.

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