Shipping link announced between Poole and Morocco

Shipping link announced between Poole and Morocco

A new direct shipping route, which will connect the UK and Morocco, is to be launched shortly.

The new service will be based out of the Port of Poole and will operate to and from the Port of Tangiers in Morocco. The route has been established to help bypass post-Brexit traffic congestion and additional import procedures on goods arriving via Europe.

The link will run once per week providing an alternative route for exporters from Morocco and Africa currently using road networks to the UK via Europe. Avoiding two ferry crossings – one from Morocco to Spain and one from North Europe to UK – the new route will reduce emissions significantly and avoid new, lengthy bureaucratic Brexit procedures. Cutting journey times on Moroccan goods to fewer than three days, compared to more than 6 via road.

It will be used to encourage British importers to source fresh produce and other products directly from Morocco and Africa. 

The direct line will also facilitate exports from the UK. Promoting southbound trade and increasing trade between two Kingdoms.

Captain Brian Murphy, Marine and Port Director at Poole Harbour Commissioners, said: “We are very excited to be hosting United Seaways’ brand-new roll-on-roll-off ferry service. It will reduce the time taken for goods to arrive by half and will see significant environmental benefits by reducing road freight.

“This is an exciting opportunity for UK, Moroccan and African importers and exporters, who are looking to develop existing and establish new business relationships. We will work closely with United Seaways to ensure this service is a huge success.

“With our high customer satisfaction levels, skilled workforce and ample operational space, the Port of Poole is ideally set up to receive both accompanied and unaccompanied freight.

“To avoid unnecessary disruptions, we work closely with UK Border Control, Port Health, and the Animal & Plant Health Agency to ensure that all the necessary checks are carried out as efficiently as possible right here on the Port estate.

“We are the “can-do” port and look forward to supporting the future growth of the UK import and export market.”

Zeyd Fassi Fehri, MD United Seaways, said: “Our aim is to support businesses with post-Brexit, supply chain challenges and opportunities. This service will create a sustainable and environmental alternative when launched in the coming months. The speed and efficiency of the vessel ensures a longer shelf life for fresh products whilst reducing road congestion, tolls and additional import procedures that have arisen since Brexit.”

Nigel Jenney, CEO of the Fresh Produce Consortium, said: “Any solution that makes imports more effective, or eases trading with alternative countries, may well be a great opportunity for helping the UK source fresh produce from around the world.”

“I anticipate a strong demand for this new direct roro service,” he continued. ” The route offers a rapid service and avoids the additional tariff complications of trading via the EU since the beginning of the year. 

“At this challenging time, It’s very welcome alternative to the increasing complexity of trading with Europe.” 

Mostafa Benhima – Senior Consultant with the Moroccan Team: “The Kingdom of Morocco and the United Kingdom have close friendship and a connection which is over 800 years old. We welcome the new line to Tangier Med Port and know that its success will scale up the trade between Morocco and the UK”.

Colin McMurray – Non Exec Director: “It’s fantastic to be part of a visionary organisation which thinks out of the box. Whilst the project has been some years in the making, the timing of the start of the service could not be better”.

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