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ONCF Tender Sees Alstom and Talgo Compete for Lucrative Moroccan Rail Contract

Tuesday 12 December 2023 - 14:00
ONCF Tender Sees Alstom and Talgo Compete for Lucrative Moroccan Rail Contract

A high-stakes bidding competition is currently underway between European rail giants Alstom and Talgo, both vying for the highly lucrative contract to supply Morocco with 168 new trains. The state-owned national rail operator, Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF), initiated the bidding process in September 2022, with an estimated value of 16 billion Moroccan dirhams ($1.5 billion).

Alstom from France and Talgo from Spain have entered into the competition. Alstom, a familiar presence in Morocco, previously delivered the first 12 high-speed "Al Boraq" trains for the Casablanca-Tangier line. On this occasion, the French company is presenting its bid through its Spanish subsidiary, Alstom España.

According to information from Spanish media, Alstom España submitted an initial tender when the ONCF contract was announced. Their all-encompassing bid includes a diverse range of rail stock, comprising 150 commuter and intercity trains, along with an additional 16 high-speed units. If successful, this contract would significantly benefit Alstom's Spanish operations. Reports from Infobae indicate that Alstom plans to centralize train production in its Spanish factories, with a specific emphasis on its Santa Perpètua de Mogoda plant near Barcelona. This plant, known for its expertise, specializes in building commuter trains that align with the tender requirements.

While Alstom and Talgo strategically deploy their Spanish assets to capture ONCF's attention, the competition for the contract continues to be intense. The victor in this contest secures a pivotal role as a major client in Morocco's rapidly advancing rail infrastructure expansion. However, for either Alstom or Talgo, losing the bid could translate to a missed opportunity at a crucial juncture.


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