Samskip - Experts & Thought Leaders

Samskip proudly announces the official launch of its new shortsea service connecting Agadir and Casablanca directly with the UK and the Netherlands, marking a historic moment for Moroccan exports and European trade.  The new Morocco–Europe service is designed to move cargo of all types from fresh produce to industrial materials faster, greener, and smarter, providing a true alternative to long-haul road transport.  Supported by dedicated vessels, advanced reefer technology, and seamless multimodal connections across Europe, this service brings unmatched speed, reliability, and sustainability to one of the most dynamic trade corridors of the time. Future of logistics “This connection marks a milestone for Samskip, as well as for the future of logistics between North Africa and Northern Europe,” said Samskip Group CEO, Ólafur Orri Ólafsson, adding “We’ve listened closely to the needs of growers, exporters, and importers, and built a service that puts their success first, combining reliability, sustainability, and scale.” Samskip’s extensive multimodal network With weekly sailings from Agadir and Casablanca to Tilbury and Rotterdam, the Samskip Morocco–Europe service connects exporters directly to more than thirty destinations across Europe. Through Rotterdam, cargo continues via Samskip’s extensive multimodal network, the largest in Europe, reaching Ireland, the UK, the Nordics, and Central Europe with one partner and one seamless logistics chain. In Agadir, the focus remains on refrigerated and frozen produce, while Casablanca now serves as the hub for a broader spectrum of exports, including automotive parts, chemicals, packaging, and construction materials. Together, the two ports form a gateway built for scale, efficiency, and long-term partnership. New fleet of GPS-equipped reefer containers To support this route, Samskip has invested in a new fleet of GPS-equipped reefer containers, including 750 forty-foot units and 250 forty-five-foot High Cube Pallet-Wide containers. Equipped with Controlled Atmosphere technology, these containers regulate oxygen, CO₂, humidity, and temperature to keep fruit and vegetables fresh for up to forty-five days ensuring Moroccan products arrive across Europe as fresh as the day they were packed. Samskip’s in-house customs clearance “Every shipment represents reliability and trust,” said Ólafur Orri Ólafsson, adding “With our advanced reefer technology and integrated customs solutions, we’re ensuring that every customer, from farmers to industrial suppliers, can trade with confidence.” By shifting from road to sea, Moroccan exporters can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to eighty percent while benefiting from a faster, more predictable service. Samskip’s in-house customs clearance and local expert teams in both Morocco and Europe ensure end-to-end simplicity, transparency, and reliability.

Sperry Marine, a global major in navigation solutions for seagoing vessels, has been selected to supply the complete Integrated Bridge Systems for two highly innovative container vessels under construction for Samskip. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, the groundbreaking vessels will be delivered, achieving zero-emission propulsion and ready for future autonomous navigation. Green corridor initiative The two ships combined are expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 25,000 tons annually The 135-metre length vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2027 to operate between Oslo Fjord and Samskip’s home port of Rotterdam, as part of a pioneering green corridor initiative.  The two ships combined are expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 25,000 tons annually, when operating in zero-emission mode using green hydrogen. Integrate emerging autonomous navigation solutions At owner’s request, each IBS will feature open architecture that makes it possible to integrate emerging autonomous navigation solutions. Now, no industry-wide standards exist covering autonomous ship navigation. However, Sperry Marine’s modular design and open interfaces will allow shipowners to innovate at their own pace.  The IBS package on board will include Sperry Marine’s new ‘self-adaptive’ NAVIPILOT 4500N autopilot, which dynamically adjusts to vessel characteristics and changing conditions, resulting in measurable fuel savings and reduced bridge workload. Samskip’s level of ambition “Samskip’s level of ambition on emissions requires partners like Sperry Marine, with similar objectives for innovation and the willingness to invest in the future,” said Jeroen Hollebrands, Head of Newbuilding and Projects, Samskip Group. Jeroen Hollebrands adds, “These ships are a milestone for the maritime industry, delivering hydrogen fuel cells and autonomous-ready navigation as a clean and renewable technology.” Sperry Marine’s resilient sensor technology “What sets this IBS apart is its open and flexible architecture, combined with Sperry Marine’s resilient sensor technology and robust cyber protection. This creates a secure and future-proof navigation platform, ready for today’s hydrogen-powered operation and tomorrow’s autonomous services,” said Pascal Göllnitz, Sperry Marine’s Product Line Manager for Integrated Bridge Systems. Sperry Marine’s Advanced ARPA tracking Also on board will be Sperry Marine’s Advanced ARPA tracking, whose streams operate separately from radar video, meaning performance is unaffected by anti-clutter settings. As well as consistently reliable target tracking, even in difficult conditions, the system provides tracking ranges of 40NM to ensure early awareness among bridge teams. The full scope of supply includes Sperry Marine’s Secure Maritime Gateway cyber threat protection, and remote diagnostics and support. Innovators in ship safety, efficiency, and sustainability “Sperry Marine is proud to collaborate with Samskip and Cochin Shipyard Limited on this transformative project,” said Guy Millard, Managing Director of Sperry Marine, adding “This contract demonstrates how our navigation technologies are sought out by the maritime industry’s true innovators in ship safety, efficiency, and sustainability.”

Samskip, one of Europe's renowned logistics service providers, has officially joined the DCSA+ partnership program, reinforcing its commitment to digital innovation, interoperability, and the evolution of global logistics standards. By becoming part of this influential network, Samskip takes a pioneering role in shaping the digital frameworks that will power tomorrow’s logistics, frameworks built on openness, collaboration, and efficiency. Future industry standards “We believe the future of logistics relies not just on smart systems, but on a shared digital language,” said Ragnar Thor Ragnarsson, Chief Information Officer at Samskip. He adds, “By joining the DCSA+ Partner Program, we have the opportunity to help shape future industry standards that enhance not only our own multimodal operations, but also the entire logistics ecosystem. Stronger standards lead to greater reliability, efficiency, and service quality for everyone.” Ocean container carriers and inland transport operators As a multimodal pioneer across shortsea, rail, road, and inland waterways, Samskip brings a unique view As a multimodal pioneer operating across shortsea, rail, road, and inland waterways, Samskip brings a unique perspective to the DCSA+ community. Its participation bridges the gap between ocean container carriers and inland transport operators, contributing critical insight into aligning systems, reducing fragmentation, and streamlining data flow across complex supply chains. Adoption of open digital standards The DCSA+ program was launched to accelerate the adoption of open digital standards by including all key logistics stakeholders from ports and tech providers to shortsea operators and forwarders. It aims to: Connect industry partners with proven standards, Accelerate real-world implementation, and Contribute to the evolution of new, practical solutions. Samskip early access to API Through the collaboration, Samskip gains early access to API (application programming interface) Samskip’s involvement ensures that multimodal inland transport, often overlooked in ocean-focused frameworks, has a seat at the table in shaping a truly end-to-end digital transformation.  Through the collaboration, Samskip gains early access to API (application programming interface) and messaging standards, increased interoperability with customers and partners, and the opportunity to streamline internal processes while helping push the entire industry forward. Samskip’s ongoing collaboration with SMDG This initiative complements Samskip’s ongoing collaboration with SMDG, further reinforcing its dedication to modernising digital communication through both traditional EDIFACT formats and cutting-edge APIs. “Through DCSA+ and SMDG, we are doubling down on our commitment to reliable, visible, and simplified transport while showing what’s possible when we listen, align, and innovate together,” added Ragnar Thor Ragnarsson.