Five railway manufacturers are said to be competing for the National Office of Railways (ONCF) tender to purchase 168 trains. These manufacturers are the French Alstom, the Spanish Talgo and CAF, the South Korean Hyundai Rotem, and the Chinese CRRC.
The ONCF’s tender DC01/PM/2023 for the acquisition of multiple units is moving forward. On Tuesday, July 9th, the Office will receive application files for this international tender for the acquisition of 168 trains, including 150 trains for inter-city services, fast and metropolitan shuttle trains, as well as 18 high-speed trains for the extensions of high-speed lines. According to hespress fr’s sources, five candidates are in the running to win this contract. Two of these candidates are well-known: Alstom and Talgo. In addition to these two, the South Korean Hyundai Rotem also intends to participate. These three candidates, according to our sources, have been actively asking questions regarding the tender.
Our sources indicate that the other two potential candidates are the Basque railway manufacturer CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles) and the Chinese giant CRRC.
Next Tuesday, we will learn the identity of the bidders for this market, which is estimated at around 16 billion dirhams (1.6 billion dollars). The objective of this tender is to support the strong growth in passenger traffic, replace part of the rolling stock fleet that has reached the end of its life, and ensure connections on the future extension of the high-speed line to Marrakech, as well as local service, such as the RER in the regions of Casablanca and Rabat.
This competition is structured around three components. In addition to the acquisition of the 168 trains, which will be delivered between 2027 and 2030, the competition also includes a maintenance partnership. This partnership will involve the ONCF and the selected manufacturer establishing a joint structure responsible for providing routine and industrial maintenance services for the trains.
The third component concerns industrial development. The selected manufacturer will have to carry out an industrial development project, involving the construction of an industrial manufacturing unit and the development of a railway ecosystem, including suppliers and subcontractors with export ambitions. This model mirrors similar successes in the automotive and aeronautical industries.
ONCF’s Train Acquisition: A Race for a 1.6 Billion Dollar Contract
The National Office of Railways (ONCF) is gearing up to receive applications for its ambitious tender to acquire 168 trains, valued at approximately 16 billion dirhams (1.6 billion dollars). This project aims to bolster passenger traffic, replace aging rolling stock, and enhance the Moroccan rail network. The race is on for this lucrative contract with five major railway manufacturers vying for the opportunity.
Five Leading Manufacturers Compete for the ONCF Contract
The competition is fierce, with five leading railway manufacturers vying for the contract. These contenders bring a wealth of experience and innovative technologies to the table, making the selection process highly competitive.
- Alstom (France): A global leader in the railway industry, Alstom is renowned for its high-speed train technology and commitment to sustainable mobility.
- Talgo (Spain): Specializing in lightweight, high-speed trains, Talgo has a proven track record in delivering efficient and comfortable rail solutions.
- CAF (Spain): Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, known as CAF, is a prominent railway equipment manufacturer with a strong presence in both passenger and freight rail.
- Hyundai Rotem (South Korea): Hyundai Rotem, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, is a leading supplier of rolling stock, including high-speed trains, and has made significant inroads into international railway markets.
- CRRC (China): China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) is a state-owned behemoth, a global leader in railway equipment manufacturing, and a formidable competitor in the international railway market.
Tender Details: Multiple Units, Maintenance, and Industrial Development
The ONCF’s DC01/PM/2023 tender outlines the comprehensive scope of the project, encompassing not only the acquisition of trains but also strategic partnerships for maintenance and industrial development.
Train Acquisition
The tender seeks the procurement of 168 trains, covering diverse needs within the Moroccan railway system:
- 150 Inter-city Trains: Designed for regional and long-distance passenger services, offering modern amenities and high-speed capabilities.
- 18 High-Speed Trains: These trains will cater to the extensions of high-speed lines, enabling faster and more efficient travel.
Maintenance Partnership
The tender mandates a partnership between the ONCF and the selected manufacturer for maintenance services. This partnership aims to establish a joint structure for providing comprehensive maintenance, including routine and industrial maintenance, ensuring the long-term operational efficiency of the acquired trains.
Industrial Development
The winning manufacturer is expected to undertake an industrial development project, involving the following key elements:
- Construction of a Manufacturing Unit: The establishment of a manufacturing facility in Morocco will stimulate local job creation and contribute to the growth of the Moroccan railway industry.
- Development of the Railway Ecosystem: This component aims to establish a robust local railway supply chain, fostering the emergence of suppliers and subcontractors to support the railway sector.
- Export Ambitions: The industrial development project seeks to create an export-oriented railway ecosystem, propelling Moroccan manufacturing capabilities to the global stage.
Bidding Process: The Next Step Towards Modernization
The ONCF will receive the applications for the tender on July 9, 2023. The evaluation process will be rigorous, weighing the technical capabilities, financial strength, and experience of each bidder. The chosen manufacturer will be tasked with delivering the 168 trains between 2027 and 2030.
Impact: A Catalyst for Moroccan Rail Modernization
This tender represents a significant step towards the modernization of the Moroccan railway network. The acquisition of these trains signifies a commitment to enhancing passenger services, improving connectivity, and driving economic growth. The partnership for maintenance and industrial development will further strengthen the Moroccan rail sector, contributing to its long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
Keywords:
ONCF, Moroccan Railway, Train Acquisition, Railway Manufacturers, Alstom, Talgo, CAF, Hyundai Rotem, CRRC, Tender, Bidding Process, Maintenance Partnership, Industrial Development, High-Speed Trains, Inter-city Trains, Moroccan Industry, Railway Ecosystem, Morocco, Rail Modernization.
