The deal, the largest in the company's history, marks Hyundai Rotem’s first entry into the North African market.
The agreement, signed Tuesday with Morocco’s national railway operator, surpasses the firm’s previous high-profile contracts in Australia and the United States.
Under the deal, Hyundai Rotem will deliver trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour, bolstering Morocco’s rail network ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The new fleet will primarily serve routes centered around Casablanca, one of the country’s key transportation hubs.
The contract was secured through South Korea’s “One-Team Korea” initiative, a government-backed strategy that combines diplomatic engagement with financial support, the company said.
The initiative played a critical role in outmaneuvering European competitors, particularly during last year’s Korea-Africa Summit, where South Korean officials sought to deepen economic ties with the continent.
As part of the agreement, Hyundai Rotem will collaborate with Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL) to provide maintenance services and technology transfer programs. KORAIL is negotiating a separate arrangement with Moroccan authorities to facilitate training programs for local railway personnel.
The project is also expected to generate significant economic benefits within South Korea.
Hyundai Rotem said approximately 90 percent of the train components will be sourced from more than 200 Korean small and medium-sized enterprises.
“This contract is a testament to the growing international recognition of South Korea’s railway technology,” a Hyundai Rotem representative said in a statement. He added the firm will continue to compete with European and Chinese manufacturers for major infrastructure projects worldwide.
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