Hyundai Rotem, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group specializing in railway manufacturing, has signed a contract worth KRW US $1.53bn to supply modern double-decker electric trains to Morocco’s national railway operator, ONCF. This agreement marks the company’s first venture into the Moroccan market and represents its largest-ever railway supply deal.
The initiative is part of Morocco’s broader efforts to upgrade its railway infrastructure in preparation for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The newly designed double-decker trains will operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h, connecting Casablanca, the country’s economic hub, with key regions nationwide.
Maintenance
The maintenance of these trains will be jointly managed by Hyundai Rotem and Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL), with further details to be finalized in separate discussions. Approximately 90% of the train components will be sourced from around 200 South Korean suppliers, strengthening Korea’s presence in the global railway sector.
Hyundai Rotem has previously been involved in rail projects across Africa, including Tunisia, Tanzania, and Egypt. This latest agreement enhances its footprint on the continent, reinforcing its role in modernizing rail networks. A company representative emphasized their commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable trains that will enhance transportation for both residents and international visitors attending the 2030 World Cup.
This deal surpasses Hyundai Rotem’s previous major contracts, including the Australian NIF double-decker project (KRW 1.4 trillion/$976 million), the Queensland train supply agreement ($906 million), and the Los Angeles Metro train project ($627 million) for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
In 2024, Tanzania Railway Corporation received the first three of 17 locomotives ordered from Hyundai Rotem, intended for service on the country’s new standard gauge railway line linking Dar-es-Salaam with Morogoro.
The Moroccan government has also signed agreements with Spanish train manufacturer CAF and French company Alstom as part of its railway expansion plans. CAF will supply 40 additional trainsets, while Alstom has secured an order for up to 18 high-speed trains.
Some of the Hyundai Rotem trains will be assembled locally, while the majority of their components will be produced in South Korea. The deal includes provisions for building factories and maintenance facilities to support long-term railway operations. This ambitious project is expected to enhance Morocco’s transportation infrastructure, improve mobility, and contribute to economic growth, particularly in anticipation of hosting major global events.