Freight News, Sea


WEC Lines adds Agadir-Liverpool link

[ January 10, 2024   //   ]

Shortsea operator WEC Lines is introducing a new weekly direct service between Agadir in Morocco and Liverpool, offering an alternative to overland trucking for fresh produce importers.

It is thought to be the first service between Agadir and the North-west of England and comes as Morocco overtakes Spain as one of the biggest suppliers of tomatoes to the UK. 

Managing director of WEC Lines, Roger Megann, said: “There’s a gap in the market here for wholesalers and supermarkets that want a choice for how they get fresh produce to the UK, because now they’ve only one option. We’re getting strong indications that there’s a demand for an alternative that reduces carbon emission, cost, and takes virtually the same amount of time.” 

The service will use Netherlands-based WEC’s existing fleet of vessels, of 850-1000teu, some of which already operate between the UK and the Canary Islands. They will now extend their route via Agadir before returning to the UK, with the potential to load reefers in Spain and Portugal in addition to dry cargoes.

Port director at Peel Ports’ Liverpool, Ian Cressey, added: “So many of the big wholesalers and retailers have their distribution centres in the Northwest, so it makes sense to ship the produce straight here, rather than clogging up the UK and mainland Europe’s roads. Every container of fresh produce on a vessel is one more lorry avoiding unnecessary journeys, especially when you consider that many of the return trips will be empty.”

To support the service, WEC is taking delivery of around 50 additional refrigerated units and is expecting to add more in the next phase. 

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