Hyundai Rotem Secures Major Rail Maintenance Deal in Morocco
In a significant development for Morocco's rail infrastructure, South Korean firm Hyundai Rotem has been awarded a lucrative contract for the maintenance of the country's railway system. This contract, valued at approximately 748.2 billion Korean Won (over 487 million USD), marks a continuation of the company's previous partnership with Morocco, where it supplied train cars. The announcement was made through a company statement, emphasizing the strategic importance of this deal for both parties involved.
A formal signing ceremony took place in Rabat this week, attended by key figures including Lee Yong-bae, CEO of Hyundai Rotem, and Mohamed Rabie Khlie, General Director of the Moroccan National Railways Office (ONCF). This contract is an extension of a previous agreement signed in February of last year for the provision of double-decker trains, which aims to outline the specifics of train maintenance, materials management, and technical support.
This contract is noted as the largest rail maintenance project that Hyundai Rotem has won internationally, encompassing the maintenance of 440 train cars that the company has supplied. The project is set to unfold over a 20-year period through a joint venture established between Hyundai Rotem and ONCF. As part of this agreement, the South Korean company will supply spare parts necessary for inspections and maintenance, operate a technical support office, provide comprehensive maintenance techniques, and conduct testing, repairs, and necessary parts replacements to ensure the trains' optimal performance and operational safety.
Hyundai Rotem expressed its intent to contribute positively to public transportation in Morocco and to expand its footprint in the African railway market through this deal. Notably, more than 200 local Korean firms are expected to supply spare parts as part of this maintenance project, which is anticipated to foster mutual growth in the railway industry for both Korea and Morocco.
The company had previously secured a contract in February last year worth 2 trillion and 202.7 billion Korean Won for supplying trains to the Moroccan National Railways Office, which will facilitate connections among major cities in Morocco, including the economic capital, Casablanca, in preparation for the country's hosting of the 2030 World Cup.
According to a company representative, "We will do our utmost to contribute to the development of the local railway industry and enhance public transport through this contract with the Moroccan National Railways Office. We will fully assume responsibility for the project to ensure the smooth delivery of the contracted trains and efficiently manage subsequent maintenance activities."
As reported by hespress.com.
