A BOATLOAD of fruits and vegetables is set to arrive in Poole imminently on the first ship to sail a new ‘Brexit-busting’ route from Morocco.

The direct service, operated by United Seaways, will help ease Brexit-related hold-ups and disruptions to supply chains.

Ships will run once a week and will be mainly loaded with dry and refrigerated freight, with the first shipment consisting of 100 freights of organic seasonal fruit and veg.

The link cuts journey times between Tangier and Poole to under three days, compared with more than six days via road.

The Port of Poole says the route has been in planning for more than two years and will help bypass post-Brexit traffic congestion and import procedures. It will also significantly reduce emissions.

The pandemic has led to supply chain bottlenecks, shortages and disruption to the shipping industry.

Captain Brian Murphy, marine and port director at Poole Harbour Commissioners, said: “The Port of Poole has been working closely with United Seaways to get this ‘Brexit Buster’ service up and running. The service will provide a greener and more time efficient option for importers and exporters from both kingdoms and we look forward to receiving the first shipment from Tangier shortly.”

United Seaways will offer full logistics services including road haulage, door-to-door services, customs clearance services and warehousing for exporters and importers.

It will shift from a Ro-Ro (roll-on, roll-off) service for unaccompanied cargo to a RoPax (accompanied cargo).

The company has announced the appointment of Amine Laghidi as board member in charge of strategy, public affairs, maritime and foreign trade.

Mr Laghidi has worked in four continents and hold leading positions in the maritime, international logistics, finance, industry, infrastructures and energy private and public sectors.

He is currently a representative of the African and the Moroccan business associations and president of the ASMEX-Rabat, the Moroccan Exporters Association.