The National Office of Railways (ONCF) has selected the Chinese company, Shandong Hi-Speed, to spearhead the second phase of civil engineering works for the high-speed rail (LGV) extension between Casablanca and Marrakech. This significant contract represents an investment of nearly 4 billion dirhams (about 400 million USD) and marks a new chapter in the ambitious project to modernize Morocco’s rail infrastructure.
This announcement follows a previous contract awarded to another Chinese company, China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC 4), further solidifying China’s involvement in Morocco’s railway developments.
Shandong Hi-Speed clinched the deal after intense competition with several other Chinese construction giants, including China Overseas Engineering Group, China Railway 20th Group, and China Gezhouba Group. Notably, the only Moroccan contender, TGCC, fell short with a bid that exceeded Shandong’s by 700 million dirhams.
The second phase of the project spans approximately 60 kilometers and includes a wide range of tasks such as earthworks, the construction of bridges and tunnels, upgrading communication systems, and installing new fencing. This phase is crucial for advancing the high-speed rail’s extension, which is set to link two of Morocco’s key economic hubs, enhancing both domestic mobility and international connectivity.
The contract reinforces the growing presence of Chinese firms in Morocco’s infrastructure sector. However, while China is playing a major role in the civil engineering aspect of the project, it is worth noting that Chinese companies were excluded from certain other components, such as supplying the trains themselves and managing the signaling systems.
Shandong Hi-Speed, a state-owned enterprise, has a robust portfolio of large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in the high-speed rail sector. Since its founding in 1997, the company has risen to prominence, generating a net revenue of $492 million in 2023, underscoring its importance as a major player in global infrastructure development.
The extension of the LGV between Casablanca and Marrakech is part of Morocco’s broader efforts to modernize its transportation network, attract foreign investment, and strengthen economic ties with global partners. The involvement of major international players like Shandong Hi-Speed highlights the country’s growing prominence as a hub for infrastructure innovation in Africa. With this project, Morocco is positioning itself at the forefront of high-speed rail technology on the continent, while benefiting from the expertise and financial backing of some of the world’s leading infrastructure companies.
