A new direct shipping route, which will connect 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 will help bypass post-Brexit traffic congestion and additional import procedures on goods arriving via Europe. It will also 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.

The route currently includes two ferry crossings – one from Morocco to Spain and one from North Europe to UK – but the new link will avoid the associated bureaucratic Brexit procedures and the time delays the other crossings face.

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.”