Casablanca – Morocco is embarking on ambitious plans to enhance its railway transport infrastructure, marked by significant efforts to procure modern trains through international partnerships. As the deadline for submissions approaches for the acquisition of 168 trains, valued at $1.6 billion, from the National Office of Railways (ONCF), Korean officials have stepped up their engagements with Moroccan counterparts to bolster support for Hyundai Rotem, a leading contender for the contract.
Enhancing cooperation with south Korea
Last Thursday, Moroccan Minister of Transport and Logistics, Mohammed Ben Abdeljalil, met with his South Korean counterpart, Sangwoo Park, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. Discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in transport, particularly in the railway sector. A joint press release highlighted South Korea’s commitment to sharing its expertise with Morocco, including skills transfer in railway maintenance, construction, and human resource development.
Support for Hyundai Rotem’s bid
The visit of the Korean delegation, led by Sangwoo Park, underscores their support for Hyundai Rotem’s bid in the ONCF tender. Although official statements did not explicitly confirm Hyundai Rotem’s candidacy, sources close to the matter suggest that the visit aimed primarily at advocating for the Korean company’s participation in Morocco’s railway modernization plans.
High-Speed train technology presentation
In a parallel engagement, Lee Young-Bae, CEO of Hyundai Rotem, met with Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, to showcase the company’s high-speed electric traction trains, known as “KTX”. This presentation not only demonstrated Hyundai Rotem’s technological capabilities but also highlighted its intention to establish a train manufacturing facility in Morocco. This move would facilitate technology transfer, further enhancing Morocco’s local manufacturing capacity in the railway sector.
Global competitors in the arena
The ONCF’s international tender, DC01/PM/2023, has attracted interest from global railway manufacturers. Apart from Hyundai Rotem, notable contenders include Alstom from France, Talgo and CAF from Spain, and CRRC from China. Each company is positioning itself to meet Morocco’s growing demand for diverse railway services, spanning intercity, rapid shuttle, metropolitan, and high-speed rail expansions.
Strategic importance of railway expansion
Morocco’s strategic focus on expanding its railway infrastructure aligns with broader economic goals aimed at boosting connectivity, enhancing transportation efficiency, and supporting sustainable development across the country. The procurement of modern trains not only promises to elevate passenger comfort and service reliability but also signifies Morocco’s commitment to advancing its transport network in line with international standards.
As Morocco prepares to evaluate bids for its ambitious railway modernization project, collaboration with global industry leaders like Hyundai Rotem underscores its commitment to advancing the nation’s transport infrastructure. The forthcoming decisions on train procurement will likely shape Morocco’s transportation landscape for years to come, paving the way for enhanced mobility and economic growth.
