Lower Saxony Minister of Economics Walter Hirche added, with uncanny foresight as it now turns out, that ‘irrespective of any possible objections against this decision, we assume that construction work will start without delay this summer’. Hirche was referring to ecological objections, but it is another issue that now threatens construction.

Millions of cubic metres of sand need to be in filled, 1.7 km of quay piles driven and roads and rail tracks laid at the site where 16 bridge cranes will, by 2010, handle 2.7m TEU a year, working 13,000 TEU ships on 16m of water.

The JWP Realisierungsgesellschaft, created to see the project through, awarded the € 480m building contract to a consortium headed by Essen construction giant Hochtief, saying its offer was the most economical. However, the consortium beaten by Hochtief and led by Papenburg construction firm Bunte, said it did not accept the decision. It said its bid was more favourable, reportedly €50 to €60m more favourable, and there is some sympathy for that opinion.

Bunte MD Manfred Wendt appealed to the Lueneberg office which reviews such awards. That office has reportedly now instructed the JWP to explain its decision and provide its documentation. Reports say a review decision is likely by mid-June, after which Bunte can still appeal to Lower Saxony’s Supreme Court.

Lower Saxony officials meanwhile say whatever happens, a decision will be made in summer and the first piles will still be driven as planned.

By Tom Todd