Morocco Tests New Chinese Locomotives to Modernize Its Rail Network
Modernization of the Moroccan Railway Sector Continues with New Locomotive Trials
The Moroccan railway sector is advancing its modernization efforts with the launch of trials for the new DO-70X locomotives, manufactured by the Chinese company CRRC Ziyang. These units are currently undergoing a series of technical and operational tests before their potential commercial deployment on the national network.
Arriving in Morocco from the Chinese manufacturer’s facilities in Ziyang, these locomotives must demonstrate their ability to meet the technical requirements and safety standards set by the National Office of Railways (ONCF). This testing phase is a crucial step before their definitive integration into Morocco’s railway fleet.
The acquisition of these new locomotives is part of the ONCF’s strategy to renew a portion of its rolling stock, particularly on non-electrified lines that still rely on diesel locomotives. These routes are vital for connecting several cities and regions that have yet to benefit from railway electrification.
With these new units, the ONCF aims to enhance traction performance, increase service reliability, and gradually reduce reliance on older locomotives. The new machines could also bolster freight transport capabilities on non-electrified lines, enhancing the operational capacity of the network.
The trials cover various aspects, including traction system performance, locomotive behavior under different operating conditions, and compatibility with Moroccan railway infrastructure. The goal is to verify their reliability and compliance with technical standards before making any deployment decisions.
This initiative is also part of the partnership between ONCF and CRRC Ziyang, a Chinese specialist in locomotive manufacturing. It reflects Morocco’s growing openness to Chinese technologies in the railway sector, as the Kingdom continues to make significant investments in modernizing its mobility infrastructure.
The new locomotives are expected to strengthen transport capacity on several non-electrified routes, including connections between Fès and Oujda and Nador. These lines play a strategic role in linking the center of the Kingdom with the Oriental region and the northeast of the country.
The integration of the DO-70X would enable the ONCF to enhance its traction capacity and improve the quality of services offered to travelers, while alleviating the pressure created by the aging part of the current fleet.
This modernization comes at a time when the demand for rail transport in Morocco continues to grow, and the Kingdom is preparing for new investments in its infrastructure. Reinforcing the locomotive fleet is thus a crucial aspect of the strategy aimed at developing a more efficient and reliable network capable of meeting the rising demands of passenger and freight transport.
Once the trials are completed and the necessary authorizations are obtained, the DO-70X locomotives could officially join the ONCF’s fleet and contribute to the gradual modernization of Morocco’s railway network.
