Morocco narrows down train manufacturing bid to CAF and Hyundai

Morocco is nearing a decision in its ambitious plan to procure 150 regional and commuter trains, with the Spanish company Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) and South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem emerging as the final contenders. This follows the exclusion of Talgo, Alstom, and the Chinese manufacturer CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive from the bidding process, according to local reports.

The lucrative contract, overseen by Morocco’s national railway operator, the Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF), is set to conclude soon. CAF, headquartered in Beasain in northern Spain, and Hyundai Rotem are now competing for three key segments: 40 intercity trains, 60 high-speed trains (TNR), and 50 regional trains (RER).

This tender represents a continuation of Morocco’s efforts to expand its railway infrastructure. Last year, French manufacturer Alstom secured a contract for 18 high-speed trains as part of the same large-scale project involving a total of 168 units. However, Alstom was excluded from further bidding rounds for subsequent lots.

The ONCF has also ruled out Spain’s Talgo, which is currently undergoing a controversial sale process, and China’s CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive. Hyundai Rotem’s CEO, Lee Yong-Bae, previously expressed intentions to establish a train manufacturing plant in Morocco and initiate technology transfer to the country, a move that could strengthen the South Korean company’s bid.

CAF, on the other hand, has an established presence in Morocco through its signaling division, CAF Signalling. The company is involved in projects such as the Casa-Port station and the remote management of substations and sectioning posts across Morocco’s electrified railway network.

In addition to acquiring the trains, the ONCF’s tender includes two critical requirements. Companies awarded contracts will also take on a 20-year maintenance agreement and must meet specified local integration targets based on the number of trainsets they produce. These stipulations aim to foster long-term partnerships and enhance Morocco’s domestic rail industry capabilities.