Morocco : Alstom rescues high-speed trains but loses market to South Korea and Spain

As announced this Wednesday, ONCF has made its decision, acquiring 168 new trains to ugrade Morocco’s railway landscape. While Alstom secured a crucial victory by winning the contract for 18 high-speed trains, the biggest surprise came from the South Korean group Hyundai Rotem, which secured the largest share thanks to its factory project in Morocco. Meanwhile, Spain’s CAF also fared well, while the Italian suppliers—previously key players for ONCF—have been completely left out.

This 29-billion-dirham program, part of Morocco’s 2030 rail development vision, aims not only to renew the current fleet but also to extend the high-speed rail line to Marrakech and introduce RER-type commuter trains. Alstom, which had previously supplied Morocco’s first TGVs, retains control over this strategic segment, though its dominance is now being challenged by emerging competitors.

The biggest winner is Hyundai Rotem, which secured the contract for 110 RER trains—the largest order in the program. This success was largely driven by its commitment to building a manufacturing plant in Morocco, aligning with ONCF’s industrial compensation requirements. This strategic move cements South Korea’s foothold in Morocco’s railway industry and opens the door for export opportunities from Moroccan territory.

Spain’s CAF also secured a strong position with the contract for 40 Intercity trains—a significant achievement, even though the company had hoped for a larger share. CAF benefited from the backing of the Spanish Official Credit Institute, which provided financing for ONCF’s acquisition of the trains.

Beyond the commercial stakes, these new partnerships reflect Morocco’s strategic shift towards local industrial development, reinforcing its ambition to build a more self-sufficient and structured railway ecosystem.