Hyundai Rotem has signed its largest-ever contract, worth 2.20 trillion won ($1.54 billion), to supply 150 double-deck electric trains to Morocco’s National Railway Office (ONCF).
The high-speed trains, which can reach speeds of 160 km/h, will connect key regions around Casablanca and bolster Morocco’s transportation infrastructure as the country prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
This landmark deal represents Hyundai Rotem’s first entry into the Moroccan market and surpasses the company’s previous record orders, including a 1.4 trillion won contract for Australia’s New Intercity Fleet and a 1.3 trillion won project for Queensland’s electric trains.
The success is credited to the “Korea One Team” consortium’s collaborative approach. South Korean government officials, including the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, made diplomatic visits to Morocco last year to support the bid. The Korean Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) will partner with Hyundai Rotem to provide maintenance services through separate negotiations with ONCF.
Despite fierce competition from European rivals offering concessional financing, South Korea strengthened its position through Economic Development Cooperation Fund support and high-level diplomatic engagement during the Korea-Africa Summit.
The project is expected to benefit approximately 200 South Korean small and mid-sized enterprises, which will supply about 90 percent of the train components.
This contract marks a significant expansion of K-Rail into the African market, building on Hyundai Rotem’s existing projects in Tunisia, Tanzania, and Egypt.
