New UK-Morocco direct shipping route to include Port of Poole

A new direct shipping route, which will connect the UK and Morocco, is to be launched before the end of March.

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 is expected to reduce emissions significantly and avoid new, lengthy Brexit procedures as well as cut journey times on Moroccan goods to fewer than three days, compared to more than six via road.

The service will be used to encourage British importers to source fresh produce and other products directly from Morocco and Africa. It will also facilitate exports from the UK.