Morocco/UK ‘Brexit buster’ route launched by United Seaways

A new direct shipping route connecting the UK and Morocco, is to be launched shortly. The route, which has been established by maritime and transport specialist, United Seaways, will link Poole in Dorset to Tangier, Morocco.

The new line has been in planning for over two years and aims to help bypass post-Brexit traffic congestion and additional import procedures on goods arriving via Europe. It will also significantly reduce emissions compared to current logistic chains by road.

The route will run once per week and cut journey times on Moroccan goods to fewer than three days, compared to more than six days via road, says United Seaways.

The current route includes two ferry crossings – Morocco to Spain and North Europe to UK – but the new link will avoid the associated bureaucratic Brexit procedures and the time delays the other crossings face. It will also be used to encourage British importers to source fresh produce and other products directly from Morocco and Africa, promoting southbound trade and scaleup exchanges between the two kingdoms, which have a long-standing history of over 800 years.

“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,” says captain Brian Murphy, marine and port director at Poole Harbour Commissioners.

“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, says: “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.”

The Fresh Produce Consortium believes that 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 ro-ro service. The route offers a rapid service and avoids the additional tariff complications of trading via the EU since the beginning of the year,” says Nigel Jenney, CEO.

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

14 responses to “Morocco/UK ‘Brexit buster’ route launched by United Seaways”

  1. Malcolm Fieldhouse says:

    that’s wonderful news and should be broadcast on all tv news channels

  2. Bobby Grier says:

    What do we import from Morocco?

    • Zella Compton says:

      Many goods are transported, but fresh produce (namely fruit and vegetables) make up the most of Moroccan exports to the UK. And that will make up the majority of United Seaways cargo movements. It is hoped the new route will also help to promote and develop new trade exchange between Morocco and the UK, in a much more efficient and sustainable manner.

  3. Sarah Fry says:

    Will this route be taking Camper Vans?. We currently get the Ferry at Poole to Cherbourg, we then drive to Algeciras to get the Ferry to Morocco for our 3 month stay for the winter.
    This would be amazing if Campers are excepted.
    Thanks
    Sarah

    • Zella Compton says:

      An answer for you. . . . United Seaways is considering how we can accommodate motorhome owners and passengers onboard due to overwhelming numbers of requests. We’d like to be able to support this request and the motorhome community in the future to further promote exchanges and new opportunities between countries.

  4. Gg says:

    Casablanca based construction firm with no ships

  5. Wayne liles says:

    Worked back and fore to Morocco for 10 years .
    Really hope this comes true as a lot of fresh produce and clothing comes from there .

  6. Frederick Lynch says:

    Does it provide passenger and car ferry service ?

    • Zella Compton says:

      United Seaways says it “is considering how we can accommodate motorhome owners and passengers onboard due to overwhelming numbers of requests. We’d like to be able to support this request and the motorhome community in the future to further promote exchanges and new opportunities between countries.”

  7. James P says:

    Hi, Also hoping this will provide a Car / Camper passenger service.

    • Zella Compton says:

      United Seaways says: “United Seaways is considering how we can accommodate motorhome owners and passengers onboard due to overwhelming numbers of requests. We’d like to be able to support this request and the motorhome community in the future to further promote exchanges and new opportunities between countries.”

  8. Danny says:

    When they they say hope to accommodate in the future how far in the future
    Are they thinking of hope it’s this year.

  9. Chris Walsh says:

    Will you be employing U.K. seafarers of all ranks onboard your vessel?

  10. Taufi says:

    Taoufi
    How long would the new journey between Poole and Tangier take??