Morocco Narrows Train Contract Bidders for 2030 World Cup Preparations

After eliminating Talgo, Alstom and the Chinese CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co from this tender, the ONCF will choose between the Spaniard CAF and the South Korean Hyundai Rotem, the two still in the running. CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co. had bid for the TNR and RER sub-lots, and Talgo had submitted bids for the 40 intercity trains and the 18 high-speed trainsets.

To recall, the ONCF tender covers a total of 168 trains, including 40 intercity trainsets, 60 rapid transit (TNR) trainsets, 50 regional express network (RER) units and 18 high-speed trains, for a total estimated cost of 1.8 billion euros. Last October, Alstom was awarded the lot for the supply of the 18 high-speed trainsets. As a result, the French manufacturer is no longer eligible for the other three lots.

During a meeting with the Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, the CEO of Hyundai Rotem, Lee Yong-Bae, had announced in July last year the group’s intention to build a train manufacturing plant in Morocco and transfer technologies there. In addition to the supply of trains, the selected companies will have to ensure the maintenance of the equipment over a period of 20 years.

The ONCF will launch a final tender, after finalizing the specifications. The remaining candidates will have one month to submit their bids.