Logistics company Samskip is launching of its long-anticipated Moroccan Reefer Service, a new shortsea container route connecting Agadir and Casablanca directly with the UK and the Netherlands.
Specially designed to meet the needs of the fresh produce sector, this service is said to provides the fastest door-to-door transit time, offering a true alternative to traditional road transport for Moroccan exports, with claimed savings of CO2 emissions of up to 80% compared to road transport.
With weekly non-stop sailings and an integrated door-to-door solution, the service provides seamless customs clearance and inland transport for perishable goods bound for key European markets. According to Samskip, this is the only container service on the market fast enough to carry vegetables between North Africa and Europe.
Ólafur Orri Ólafsson, Chief Business Officer, Samskip, said: “This new connection marks a major milestone, not just for Samskip, but for the entire supply chain between Morocco and Northern Europe. We’ve listened to growers, importers, and retailers, and will deliver a service that’s faster, greener, and more reliable. It’s a powerful example of what we can achieve when we combine local expertise with the strength of Europe’s largest multimodal network.”
The new reefer route brings benefits including:
- Dedicated shortsea service designed for Moroccan perishable
- A weekly direct sailing to the south UK and the Netherlands (Rotterdam)
- Significantly faster transit than other container alternatives
- Compatible with 45ft reefer containers, matching the capacity of standard trailers
- Up to 80% CO₂ reduction compared to full road transport
Calling at Casablanca and Agadir ports, the service continues to Rotterdam ensuring smooth and efficient cargo flows into the heart of European retail markets. The launch reflects Samskip’s growth strategy, moving cargo off roadways and onto more sustainable rail and sea solutions, in response to growing demand for eco-friendly, cost-efficient, and dependable logistics services.
Image: Samskip container vessel (source: Samskip)
