South Korean train manufacturing company Hyundai Rotem has secured a massive 2.2 trillion won ($1.53 billion) deal with Morocco to supply advanced double-decker electric trains, marking its entrance into the Moroccan market and establishing a new benchmark as the company's biggest railway supply agreement.

Prior to this deal, Hyundai Rotem's most expensive contracts were the Australian NIF double-decker train project worth 1.4 trillion won, the Australian Queensland train supply contract worth 1.3 trillion won, and the Los Angeles Metro train contract worth 900 billion won for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. This new agreement solidifies Morocco as Hyundai Rotem's most valuable partner, surpassing its previous contracts with Los Angeles and Australia.

The deal entails Hyundai Rotem supplying Morocco's national railway operator, ONCF, with double-decker electric trains that can travel at speeds of up to 160 kph. These trains will connect Morocco's main city, Casablanca, with major areas, significantly improving the country's public transportation system ahead of the co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Notably, certain parts of the trains will be manufactured domestically to assist the growth of Morocco's railway sector. Additionally, the trains will be maintained jointly by Hyundai Rotem and the Korea Railroad Corp. through separate arrangements.

This agreement is expected to strengthen Korea's position in the African railway sector, where Hyundai Rotem has already assisted on projects in Tunisia, Tanzania, and Egypt. The deal is likely to help the company compete in future bids and further expand its presence in the region.

A Hyundai Rotem official expressed the company's commitment to delivering high-quality trains that provide safe and convenient transportation for both local citizens and international visitors attending the 2030 World Cup. The deal will also benefit more than 200 small and medium-sized Korean rail sector companies, which will supply about 90 percent of the components.

This development highlights the growing importance of Africa as a key market for technology and infrastructure companies. As the continent prepares to host major international events like the 2030 FIFA World Cup, investments in advanced transportation systems are expected to increase, presenting opportunities for companies like Hyundai Rotem to establish themselves as major players in the region.

In conclusion, Hyundai Rotem's $1.53 billion deal with Morocco marks a significant milestone for the company and underscores the growing importance of Africa as a key market for technology and infrastructure investments.