Leverkusen Rhine Bridge dispute reaches Cologne Regional Court

The Cologne Regional Court has begun proceedings regarding a legal dispute over the construction of the Leverkusen Rhine Bridge. The case involves mutual lawsuits between the federal government, represented by Autobahn GmbH, and the construction company Porr.

In 2020, Porr's contract was terminated following allegations that steel components manufactured in China contained systematic defects. Autobahn GmbH is seeking damages, while Porr denies the allegations and is seeking compensation for services rendered and unrendered. The dispute involves a value in controversy exceeding 500 million euros.

Presiding Judge Christian Spelz has suggested a ‘null comparison’—where both parties waive their respective claims—to reach an amicable settlement and avoid a trial that could last years due to the complexity of the 24,000-page case file. The court noted that the burden of proof regarding the alleged defects lies with the plaintiff, Autobahn GmbH.