PLANS for a replacement direct shipping route between the United Kingdom and Morocco, which bypasses the EU, are confirmed by Poole Harbour Commissioners.

The proposed ferry service would travel between Poole in Dorset and Tanger Med near Tangier. The "roll-on, roll-off" service would cut the journey time between Britain and Morocco in half from six days to only three.

Currently, seaborne trade between the 2 countries has got to make two sea crossings, from the United Kingdom to Spain then Spain to Morocco.

United Seaways, the corporate behind the plan, hopes to start trading within the next few months.

The news was first reported by the grocery store magazine before being confirmed by authorities in Poole.

There are concerns trade with the EU that is going to be disrupted when additional checks on trade are introduced in July.

Speaking to the grocery store Nigel Jenney, CEO of the Produce Consortium, warned this might “cause A level of disruption the industry hasn’t seen for generations”.

In October 2019 Britain signed a replacement trade affect Morocco providing continued access to its market.


Trade between Morocco and therefore the UK was valued at around £2.5bn in 2018.

The hope is that this will help catch up on any trade lost when new checks with the EU inherit place in July.

Mr Jenney added: “Any solution that creates imports simpler, or eases trading with alternative countries, could be an excellent opportunity for helping the United Kingdom source fresh produce from round the world.”

“I anticipate a robust demand for this new direct [roll-on/roll-off] service.

“The route offers a rapid service and avoids the extra tariff complications of trading via the EU since the start of the year.

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

Whilst Britain formally left the EU in January 2020 it remained closely entwined with the bloc until New Year's Eve 2020.

At now the United Kingdom left the Brexit transition period, meaning it's not required to implement rules made in Brussels or pay into the EU budget.


However Northern Ireland remains attached to the EU single market to avoid a border being required with the Republic of Ireland.

As a result, there are now some checks on goods travelling between Northern Ireland and therefore the remainder of the United Kingdom infuriating unionists.

In a statement announcing its plans, United Seaways noted the new route are going to be useful within the post-Brexit landscape.

It said: “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 within the coming months.

“The speed and efficiency of the vessel ensures a extended time period for fresh products whilst reducing road congestion, tolls and extra import procedures that have arisen since Brexit.”

On Wednesday Britain announced it's unilaterally extending the grace period for a few checks on trade with Northern Ireland .

In response, referencing the United Kingdom, Ireland’s secretary of state Simon Coveney said the EU is “negotiating with a partner it simply can’t trust”.