French firm Alstom secures major high-speed train contract with Morocco

French company Alstom has reportedly secured a contract to supply Morocco with high-speed locomotives, as detailed in a report by French news outlet BFM Business.

The contract, valued between €750 million and €1 billion, is set to provide Morocco’s National Railway Office (ONCF) with cutting-edge trains, with specific financial options for maintenance still under review.

The agreement will see Morocco acquire 18 Avelia Horizon trains, the latest generation of the TGV M series, widely used in France.

As part of the deal, France may extend financial assistance through mutually agreed credit arrangements, strengthening the bilateral economic cooperation between the two nations.

The announcement of Alstom’s contract award aligns with French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to Morocco.

Under the contract terms, other companies in contention will have the opportunity to raise objections before the final contract is signed, following procedural requirements to confirm the tender.

Among competing firms were companies proposing single-level models, such as Spain’s CAF, Talgo, and South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem.

Alstom’s double-deck Avelia Horizon trains, however, ultimately provided a competitive edge in the bid.

The report also highlights the interest of Chinese firm Zhong Neng Xuan Zong Industrial in contributing to Morocco’s high-speed rail infrastructure by potentially joining in the construction of the Marrakech-Agadir line.

Though Alstom has faced project delays with the French National Rail Company, ONCF’s Director-General, Mohamed Rabih Lakhlai, pointed out that Alstom’s success in winning this Moroccan contract is largely attributed to its competitive maintenance and logistical support offering.

The project is set to include infrastructure development as well. A consortium of firms, including French companies EGIS RAIL and SYSTRA, along with Moroccan partner NOVEC, has been awarded the contract to build the rail line connecting Kenitra and Marrakech.

This partnership further reinforces the deep-rooted Franco-Moroccan cooperation on critical transport projects.