Latest news with #LGV
Maroc
08-05-2025
- Business
- Maroc
UK Reaffirms Commitment to Deepen Partnership with Morocco
The British government reaffirmed on Wednesday its commitment to deepening its partnership with Morocco, hailing the Kingdom as a "trusted partner." The statement was delivered by Ben Coleman, the United Kingdom's Trade Envoy to Morocco and West Africa, during the 8th "Morocco Capital Markets Days" conference, held in the City of London—the country's financial district. Coleman welcomed the convening of this event, emphasizing its role in reinforcing the financial ties between the British and Moroccan financial markets. This conference comes at a time when vast opportunities are being offered for developing economic and trade relations between the UK and Morocco, two countries bound by a relationship that dates back more than 8 centuries. "As Trade Envoy, I am determined to play a role in helping strengthen investments and ensuring that Morocco and the UK are able to seize the opportunities on offer," Coleman said before an audience of diplomats, government officials, and financial professionals. The official emphasized what he described as the special importance the British government attaches to relations with Morocco, aiming to build on the longstanding ties between the two kingdoms to elevate their partnership. The two countries signed their first trade agreement in 1721, over three centuries ago, Coleman recalled, noting that since then, trade between Morocco and the UK has continued to grow. For the UK official, the positive development of economic and trade exchanges between the two countries is a sign of trust and a reflection of shared ambition. He expressed confidence that both nations have all the potential to move forward. "Our economies are highly complementary,' he noted. "Morocco Capital Markets Days" will explore ways to financially support the development of economic relations between the two countries, he added. Coleman also praised Morocco's notable strides in infrastructure development, citing the expansion of the high-speed rail line (LGV) as a key example of transformative projects positioning the Kingdom for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal. These projects testify to Morocco's vision and determination, said the British official, expressing the United Kingdom's willingness to take part in the wave of progress the Kingdom is experiencing. The British Prime Minister's Trade Envoy emphasized the importance of the partnership with Morocco in West Africa and beyond. "Morocco is a tremendous gateway to Africa." He also underlined the crucial role the business community has to play in bringing to life a Moroccan-British partnership that matches the aspirations and potential of both countries. The 8th edition of the Morocco Capital Markets Days will continue until Friday in the British capital. More than 34 Moroccan listed companies and a wide range of capital market players engage with key stakeholders in the City and forge partnerships. This year's edition is part of the Morocco Business Weeks, held in London from April 28 to May 9, with the aim of highlighting Morocco's economic potential and strengthening cooperation with the United Kingdom. Through this event, the Casablanca Stock Exchange reaffirms its commitment to connecting the Moroccan capital market with major international financial centers and enhancing Morocco's appeal to foreign investors.
Morocco World
25-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Emmanuel Macron Applauds Morocco's Kénitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail
Doha – French President Emmanuel Macron has saluted Morocco's launch of construction works for the Kénitra-Marrakech high-speed rail line (LGV), a major infrastructure project inaugurated by King Mohammed VI on Thursday at the Rabat-Agdal train station. 'Franco-Moroccan cooperation is advancing at high speed! His Majesty King Mohammed VI launched yesterday the works on the new high-speed rail line between Kénitra and Marrakech,' Macron wrote today on social media platform X. 'This is the concrete result of partnerships formed between our companies during my state visit to Morocco last October,' he added, concluding: 'Long live the friendship between Morocco and France!' The 430-kilometer line represents a MAD 53 billion ($5.3 billion) investment, excluding rolling stock. It forms part of a larger MAD 96 billion ($9.6 billion) program that includes the acquisition of 168 new trains for MAD 29 billion ($2.9 billion). According to Khalid Khairane, director of high-speed rail projects at Morocco's National Railways Office (ONCF), construction will proceed according to the established timeline to be ready for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal. 'In 2029, we will begin testing on this line to start operations at the end of the same year,' Khairane told the press, noting that studies for the project began in 2022 and three-quarters of the required land has already been acquired. The new line will drastically cut travel times along Morocco's key economic corridor. Journeys will take just 1 hour between Tangier and Rabat, and 1 hour 15 minutes between Casablanca and Marrakech. Read also: Morocco's $9.6 Billion Investment Plan to Connect 43 Cities by 2040 Travel between Tangier and Casablanca, as well as Rabat and Marrakech, will be reduced to 1 hour 40 minutes, while the full stretch from Tangier to Marrakech will take only 2 hours 40 minutes—saving more than 2 hours compared to current travel times. The LGV will also connect Rabat to Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport in just 35 minutes while serving the new Benslimane stadium. Additionally, high-speed service between Fez and Marrakech will take 3 hours 40 minutes. Luciano Borges, director of equipment at ONCF, revealed that the project includes the acquisition of 18 new-generation high-speed trains (320 km/h) with a capacity of 641 seats each, to be supplied by French manufacturer Alstom. This will expand Morocco's current fleet from twelve to thirty trains. 'Beyond the high recyclability criteria required for these trains (over 97%), the selection process of manufacturers has established judicious partnerships for controlled maintenance through the development of suitable industrial tools,' Borges explained. The high-speed line will serve 59% of Morocco's population and connect economic regions representing more than 67% of the national GDP. It will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while stimulating several sectors, including industry, services, and tourism. The international press has widely covered the project launch, with Business Insider Africa writing that it 'reinforces Morocco's position as a continental leader in infrastructure development,' noting that the country already operates Africa's only functional high-speed rail network. The project reflects Morocco's strategic vision for sustainable development, particularly promoting collective mobility solutions with a low carbon footprint, while positioning its high-speed rail as a technological showcase for African countries seeking fast and sustainable transport solutions. Tags: Emmanuel MacronKenitra MarrakechMorocco France Relations
Ya Biladi
25-04-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
King Mohammed VI launches 96-billion-dirham Kenitra–Marrakech rail project
A new chapter is unfolding for Morocco's railway network. On Thursday, April 24, 2025, King Mohammed VI officially kicked off construction of the future high-speed rail line (LGV) linking Kenitra to Marrakech, from Rabat-Agdal station. Spanning approximately 430 kilometers, this flagship infrastructure project is part of an ambitious national railway program valued at 96 billion dirhams. Its aim: to modernize Morocco's rail network and promote a more sustainable and inclusive model of mobility. This landmark project reaffirms Morocco's commitment to expanding its high-speed rail services, building on the success of the Tangier–Casablanca line while incorporating strong environmental considerations. It aligns with the Kingdom's broader sustainable development strategy and its push for low-carbon transport solutions. Shorter travel times and a new urban dynamic The new line will link several of Morocco's major cities—Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech—while also connecting Rabat and Casablanca airports. The time savings are substantial: just 1 hour between Tangier and Rabat, 1 hour 40 minutes to Casablanca, and 2 hours 40 minutes to Marrakech. Rabat will also be connected to Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport in just 35 minutes, with a planned stop at the new Benslimane stadium. A high-speed service between Fès and Marrakech will also be introduced, combining conventional and high-speed lines, with a total travel time of around 3 hours 40 minutes. Designed for speeds of up to 350 km/h, the project will also involve new developments at terminal hubs in Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech, including new high-speed and local stations and a maintenance center in Marrakech for servicing the trains. Beyond the LGV extension, the project is part of a broader plan to modernize rail services, including the purchase of 168 new trains for a total of 29 billion dirhams. The goal is to renew the ONCF's fleet, support the rollout of new routes, improve efficiency, and meet the expected surge in demand by 2030. The procurement plan includes : - 18 high-speed trains for the extended LGV network, - 40 trains for traditional intercity routes, - 60 regional rapid transit trains (TNR), - 50 units for urban transport in Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech. At the same time, the LGV extension will free up capacity on the conventional network, making way for a new metropolitan commuter train service (TMP) to address urban mobility needs in these three major hubs. This service will stand out for its reliability, frequency, and eco-friendly approach. Building a national industrial ecosystem around rail This major program also serves as a catalyst for developing a genuine railway industry in Morocco. Plans are underway to establish a train manufacturing facility in the country, supported by a network of local suppliers and subcontractors. The goal is to achieve a local integration rate of over 40%. A joint venture between the ONCF and its industrial partners will be set up to handle ongoing and large-scale train maintenance. This will help control costs, enable knowledge transfer, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, while training a new generation of specialized workers over the next decade. The project brings together leading global rail manufacturers. French company Alstom will supply the high-speed trains, Spanish firm CAF will provide intercity trains (up to 200 km/h), and South Korea's Hyundai Rotem will supply trains for the metropolitan networks. These partnerships fall under a preferential financing framework, reflecting international investors' confidence in Morocco's railway vision. With this new milestone, Morocco reinforces its role as a pioneer of high-speed rail in Africa and strengthens its ambition to build a more connected, sustainable, and competitive future.
Morocco World
24-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
King Mohammed VI Launches Construction of Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail Project
Doha – King Mohammed VI launched construction work Thursday on the Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail Line (LGV) at Rabat-Agdal train station, paving the way for a new era of ultra-modern rail infrastructure across the country. The 430-kilometer project forms part of a comprehensive MAD 96 billion ($9.6 billion) railway development program that will transform the country's transportation network. The Kenitra-Marrakech LGV, budgeted at MAD 53 billion ($5.3 billion) excluding rolling stock, reflects Morocco's strategic vision for sustainable development, particularly the promotion of low-carbon collective mobility solutions. 'This project demonstrates Morocco's firm determination to continue developing the national rail network,' said an official statement during the ceremony, noting the railway's role as 'the backbone of a sustainable and inclusive transport system.' The high-speed line will connect Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech while serving Rabat and Casablanca airports. It will drastically reduce travel times, with journeys between Tangier and Rabat taking just one hour, Tangier to Casablanca 1 hour 40 minutes, and Tangier to Marrakech 2 hours 40 minutes — saving over two hours compared to current durations. Additionally, the project will link Rabat to Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport in 35 minutes, with service to the new Benslimane stadium. High-speed service between Fez and Marrakech will take 3 hours 40 minutes, with trains running on conventional tracks from Fez to northern Kenitra before switching to the new high-speed line to Marrakech. The project's technical specifications include constructing a new line designed for speeds up to 350 km/h, terminal zone developments in Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech, railway equipment installations, new high-speed stations, commuter train stations, and renovations to existing facilities. A maintenance center for trainsets will also be built in Marrakech. Concurrent with the rail line launch, the National Railways Office (ONCF) announced an unprecedented program to acquire 168 new trains at a cost of MAD 29 billion ($2.9 billion). This investment will strengthen and rejuvenate the entire passenger fleet, including 18 high-speed trains, 40 line service trains, 60 rapid shuttle trains, and 50 commuter trains for metropolitan transit networks in Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech. The acquisition program will foster the emergence of a domestic railway manufacturing ecosystem with over 40% local integration, supporting Moroccan businesses and expertise. 'With a local integration rate exceeding 40%, the program demonstrates strong commitment to Moroccan companies and skills,' noted railway officials at the event, adding that it will have 'inevitable positive implications for supporting the national economy, reducing transport costs, and promoting sustainable development.' The program rests on two main components: an industrial dimension establishing a train manufacturing facility with a supplier and subcontractor ecosystem, and a joint venture between manufacturers and ONCF for maintenance throughout the trains' lifecycles. This 10-year modernization initiative promises to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while training specialized human resources. The transformative project involves renowned international companies, including France's Alstom for high-speed rolling stock, Spain's CAF for inter-city trains capable of 200 km/h, and South Korea's Hyundai Rotem for metropolitan commuter trains, all secured with preferential financing terms. Beyond extending high-speed rail to Marrakech, this comprehensive modernization represents a renaissance for Morocco's entire railway network, modernizing and renewing the ONCF train fleet while creating a rail-based public transport network and an industrial ecosystem with significant economic potential.
Morocco World
20-03-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
ONDA Launches Construction of New $1.5 Billion Terminal at Mohammed V Airport
Doha – The Office National des Aéroports (ONDA) has officially announced the construction of a new terminal at Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport. The ambitious project, with an estimated investment of MAD 15 billion ($1.5 billion), will feature a hub-style terminal designed to accommodate 20 million passengers annually when completed in 2029. This major infrastructure development is part of Morocco's 'Airports 2030' strategy, which aims to strengthen the country's position as a strategic aviation hub for global exchanges. The terminal is being designed as a technical marvel and architectural masterpiece, representing an unprecedented infrastructural revolution in Morocco's airport sector. The H-shaped terminal will comply with international hub standards, particularly in terms of connection times, baggage handling, and utilization rates of boarding bridges. It will also address anticipated air traffic growth needs, especially those linked to Royal Air Maroc's development program. Connectivity will be a key feature of the new terminal, with direct access to the Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed rail line (LGV), offering travelers quick and smooth connections to major Moroccan cities. Following the model of major international airports such as Paris-Charles de Gaulle, London-Heathrow, and Hong Kong International, this modern infrastructure aims to strengthen transportation intermodality and enhance passenger experience. The rail connection will significantly reduce travel times between Casablanca and other strategic centers while supporting air traffic growth by facilitating airport access for both domestic and international travelers. Comprehensive infrastructure development The new terminal project extends beyond the main building to include a parallel runway measuring 3,700 meters by 45 meters with associated taxiways and aeronautical infrastructure. The development will also feature aircraft parking areas and a new 42-meter-high control tower. Designed with passenger comfort in mind, the terminal will be arranged across three main levels and will integrate green spaces in the form of oases, commercial zones, a large duty-free area, VIP lounges, and a hotel, all offering views of the runways. The various components are intended to deliver an entirely reinvented qualitative experience for travelers, optimizing mobility, comfort, and hospitality. ONDA has already launched the earthworks tender, with additional construction tenders to follow in the coming months. This iconic project reinforces ONDA's ambitions to meet the country's new challenges, particularly in preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Architectural design inspired by Atlantic waves Conceived as an architectural manifesto, the new Casablanca terminal draws inspiration from the natural forces of the Atlantic Ocean. The curved, fluid lines of its architecture evoke the power and delicacy of water movement, symbolizing the balance between strength and serenity. The terminal embodies the vision of 'Morocco, gateway to the Atlantic,' ONDA says, where the fluidity of forms resonates with the energy of waves. The vast open spaces, inspired by the limitless Atlantic horizon, reflect Morocco's aspiration to establish itself as a strategic crossroads for global exchanges. The design goes beyond its role as a transportation infrastructure to serve as Morocco's gateway, a contemporary representation of Moroccan cultural identity in all its diversity. The architecture draws from forms, colors, and materials that reflect the North African country's diversity: geometric patterns of Andalusian inspiration, Amazigh carpets from the Atlas Mountains, and elegant arches from medinas blend into a harmonious and avant-garde vision. Gardens play a central role in the terminal design. By integrating two tree-lined and vegetated areas in the form of oases within the airport, ONDA aims to offer travelers an immersive, modern experience that shows off Morocco's natural heritage. These oases provide a soothing contrast to the terminal's contemporary architecture and create a space for calm and decompression before or after flights. The roof covering the terminal represents an architectural masterpiece. The pattern of the 'soffite' (overhanging parts) refers to the 'bejmat' with a hexagonal grid covered in ochre, as a tribute to traditional Moroccan architecture and homage to the southern provinces. This reference to terracotta zellige also brings a warm and welcoming touch to the airport, with a subtle and natural texture, contrasting with the contemporary architectural gesture. Read also: Tangier Airport's $327 Million Extension to Triple Passenger Capacity Tags: Mohammed V airportMoroccan Airports Authority (ONDA)
