Rabat Région Mobilité has awarded a contract worth 27.375 million dirhams to SOREMAR for the acquisition of two amphibious vehicles. The vehicles will be used for tourist transportation on the Bouregreg river. This marks the third attempt by Rabat Région Mobilité to acquire such vehicles, with previous calls for tenders being unsuccessful. The contract includes a 20-month execution period, with two months dedicated to feasibility studies and adaptation of the vehicles to access ramps.
The amphibious buses will have to meet specific requirements, including the ability to circulate on both road and water, and accommodate at least 36 seated passengers, excluding crew members. The vehicles must also be equipped with a Euro VI-compliant road engine, reach a speed of at least 50 km/h on road and 6 knots in navigation, and have a redundant propulsion system. Additionally, the buses will need to have a marine-grade aluminum hull and safety equipment suitable for navigation.
The previous attempts to acquire amphibious buses faced setbacks, with the first consultation attracting only one bidder, Seahorse Amphibious, but no offer being retained. A second procedure was launched in February 2026, but no bidders came forward. For this third attempt, Rabat Région Mobilité revised certain parameters, including the estimated budget, which was set at 25 million dirhams in July.
The contract awarded to SOREMAR includes a 12-month warranty period. The execution period will cover the manufacture of the vehicles, factory tests, transportation to Morocco, on-site testing, and crew training. The two vehicles will have to undergo road and maritime homologation in Morocco before being put into service. The project aims to enhance the tourist offer around the Bouregreg by providing a combined road and water circuit.
The amphibious buses will be required to have specific safety equipment, including bilge pumps, water level alarms, and fire-fighting devices. The project is part of a tourism development strategy, rather than a traditional public transportation initiative. The vehicles will be used to offer tourists a unique experience, combining road and water travel.
Rabat Région Mobilité had initially estimated the budget for the project at over 23 million dirhams in the first consultation. The second procedure had a budget of 26 million dirhams, but still attracted no bidders. The successful bid from SOREMAR amounts to 27.375 million dirhams. The project's timeline and budget have been adjusted to ensure its feasibility.
The acquisition of the amphibious buses is expected to boost tourism in the region, providing visitors with a new and unique experience. The project is in line with efforts to develop the tourist potential of the Bouregreg area. The successful implementation of the project will depend on various factors, including the timely delivery of the vehicles and their homologation by the relevant authorities.
Key points
- The contract awarded to SOREMAR marks a significant step forward in the development of the amphibious bus project in Rabat.
