SEOUL, South Korea – Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) has announced a series of significant international contracts, solidifying its position as a global leader in railway maintenance and technology. On December 5th, KORAIL revealed that the "Korea One Team," a consortium of KORAIL, Hyundai Rotem, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, successfully secured a 2.2 trillion KRW (approximately 1.67 billion USD) deal to supply and maintain electric trains for Morocco's national railway operator, ONCF. This marks the largest overseas contract in the history of the Korean railway industry.
Landmark Deal in Morocco Highlights Maintenance Expertise
The Morocco deal, which includes the supply of 110 electric trains (440 cars) capable of speeds up to 160 km/h, is particularly notable for its emphasis on maintenance technology transfer. KORAIL's extensive experience in maintaining high-speed trains, accumulated over 20 years, proved to be a crucial factor in securing the contract.
ONCF's large-scale order is aimed at ensuring smooth passenger transport during the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The contract includes the delivery of trains and test runs from 2027 to 2030, with KORAIL and Hyundai Rotem jointly responsible for maintenance through a separate agreement.
KORAIL plans to dispatch expert personnel to Morocco to provide technical support and training to ONCF staff. This includes transferring core maintenance technologies and ensuring the safety and efficiency of ONCF's maintenance systems.
Building on Success in Uzbekistan
This latest achievement follows KORAIL's successful bid in June 2023 to supply and maintain high-speed trains for Uzbekistan. This project, which involves the export of six KTX-Eum high-speed trains, marked the first time that Korean-developed high-speed trains were exported overseas.
KORAIL will also provide maintenance services for 42 months in Uzbekistan and transfer the relevant technologies. This project, like the Morocco deal, emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach that includes not only vehicle supply but also operational and maintenance expertise.
Global Expansion and Future Plans
KORAIL's overseas ventures began in 2007 with electric train modernization consulting in Malaysia. Since then, the company has expanded its portfolio to include railway design, technical consulting, system consulting, feasibility studies, and international training programs.
KORAIL has established an "overseas business standard model" comprising four stages: exchange and training, railway design and technical consulting, O&M consulting, and direct O&M execution. This strategic approach has enabled KORAIL to successfully undertake 14 projects in 8 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe.
Key Overseas Projects:
Philippines: KORAIL is actively involved in the Manila Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) project, providing system design, construction consulting, and O&M advisory services.
Tanzania: KORAIL is contributing to Tanzania's railway development by overseeing the construction of the Central Line standard gauge railway and providing O&M consulting.
Bangladesh: KORAIL is expanding its presence in Bangladesh through projects such as the Dhaka MRT-4 feasibility study and basic design, as well as the modernization of passenger car O&M.
KORAIL aims to continue its global expansion by leveraging its expertise in railway vehicle maintenance and high-speed rail operation. The company is committed to playing a central role in promoting "K-Rail" technology worldwide through public-private partnerships.
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