Why it Matters
Hyundai Rotem’s Morocco agreement underlines the importance of lifecycle support in modern rolling stock contracts. The project is not limited to the supply of double-decker electric trains, but extends to spare parts, technical assistance and heavy maintenance over a 20-year period, helping to support fleet reliability, operational safety and long-term performance.
For Morocco, the maintenance contract is directly linked to the deployment of 440 electric trains intended to strengthen public transport connections around Casablanca and other major regions ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. For the wider rail supply chain, it also reinforces the role of long-term maintenance partnerships in ensuring that new fleet investments are supported beyond delivery.
Hyundai Rotem has secured a 748.2 billion won railway maintenance project in Morocco, following its earlier contract to supply double-decker electric trains to the country.
The company announced that it had held a contract signing ceremony with the Moroccan National Railway Authority in Rabat, Morocco, on 18 June. The ceremony was attended by Hyundai Rotem Chief Executive Officer Lee Yong-bae and Mohamed Rabi Kli, Director General of the Moroccan National Railway Authority.
The maintenance agreement forms part of the double-decker electric train supply project signed in February and covers vehicle maintenance, materials management and technical support. Hyundai Rotem said the contract represents its largest overseas railway maintenance project to date.
The project covers all 440 electric trains included in Hyundai Rotem’s Moroccan order and will be implemented over a 20-year period through a joint venture between Hyundai Rotem and the Moroccan National Railway Authority.
Under the agreement, Hyundai Rotem will supply spare parts required for vehicle maintenance and repair, operate a help desk, and provide technical support for heavy railway maintenance. Heavy maintenance includes testing, repairs and parts replacement to support train performance and operational safety.
Hyundai Rotem said the contract is expected to contribute to the strengthening of public transport in Morocco and support the company’s expansion in the African railway market. The company added that the supply of spare parts will involve more than 200 small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-sized companies in its domestic supply chain, supporting cooperation between the Korean and Moroccan railway sectors.
Hyundai Rotem previously secured a 2.2027 trillion won contract from Moroccan National Railways in February to supply electric trains. The double-decker trains are expected to connect major regions centred on Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
“We will strive to contribute to the development of the local railway industry and the strengthening of public transportation through this contract with the Moroccan Railway Authority,” a Hyundai Rotem official said. “We will take full responsibility for the project until the end to ensure that the contracted electric trains are delivered locally and that post-delivery maintenance proceeds smoothly.”
