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Chinese contractor asks for 60 million euros from Croatia before restoration of Pelješac Bridge starts
Slovenia🏛️ PoliticsCenter6 days ago

Chinese contractor asks for 60 million euros from Croatia before restoration of Pelješac Bridge starts

A Chinese construction company, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), has requested an additional €60 million reimbursement for costs related to the construction of the Pelješka Bridge in Croatia. The bridge, which was opened four years ago, is now facing structural issues including cracks in its concrete pillars, potentially leading to corrosion and further damage. The cost of repairs is estimated at between €5 and €6 million, which CRBC claims they should cover. However, the Croatian state-owned company Hrvatske ceste is still negotiating the final financial settlement with CRBC, who has additionally claimed compensation due to shortened deadlines, material price increases during the pandemic, and unfavorable market conditions. The dispute falls under international construction contract standards (FIDIC), and the arbitration committee has already rejected several of CRBC’s claims totaling around €10 million. The total value of the entire bridge project, including access roads, was over €525 million, with the EU contributing €357 million.

The Croatian government has been informed of potential claims by Chinese contractor China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) seeking compensation of up to 60 million euros for damages to the Pelješka Most bridge, which opened in July 2022. According to unconfirmed reports, cracks and other structural damage have appeared on the bridge since its opening, with some cracks reaching depths of three to six centimeters. These cracks allow moisture and salt to penetrate, posing a risk of corrosion to the reinforcing steel and further damage to the structure. Unofficial estimates suggest repair costs could range between five and six million euros, a burden that CRBC claims should be covered by the Croatian state. The bridge, located near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, was constructed under a public-private partnership model, with CRBC serving as the main contractor. Initial signs of damage emerged during construction, with more severe issues developing over months and years following the bridge’s inauguration. Reports indicate that some of these problems may be linked to the speed of construction or the tight deadlines imposed on the contractor. This has led to speculation that CRBC might be using the issue as leverage to justify part of its current claim. Unofficial sources close to the management of Croatia's national road network, Hrvatske ceste, have mentioned that the authority near the bridge has received informal warnings about the situation. However, these remain unsubstantiated allegations, according to the Croatian news outlet Nacional.hr. The bridge became a subject of controversy shortly after its opening, with early reports highlighting numerous construction errors. More serious damage began appearing in the months and years following its official launch. The newspaper Jutarnji list, among others, noted that cracks are forming on the pillars of the bridge, with some reaching depths of up to six centimeters. Moisture and salt penetration through these cracks necessitates urgent repairs to prevent corrosion and further weakening of the support structures. The need for immediate intervention has become increasingly apparent as the structural integrity of the bridge comes into question. The dispute between the two parties remains unresolved. So far, the Arbitration Council has rejected several claims from CRBC totaling around 10 million euros. Decisions regarding the remaining claims, valued at approximately 50 million euros, are still pending. If either party is dissatisfied with the outcome, the dispute could proceed to the arbitration court of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce. This case raises broader questions about accountability in one of Croatia’s largest infrastructure projects. CRBC has formally requested additional 60 million euros from the Croatian government while simultaneously being required to finance the repairs for damages that emerged just a few years after the bridge’s opening. The situation highlights the complexities surrounding large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly when they involve international contractors and public funding. As the legal process unfolds, the resolution will likely have implications beyond the immediate financial stakes, influencing future public-private partnerships and construction practices in Croatia.

2 reports

Siol.net logoSiol.netState / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 706 days ago
Chinese contractor asks for 60 million euros from Croatia before restoration of Pelješac Bridge starts

A Chinese construction company, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), has requested an additional €60 million reimbursement for costs related to the construction of the Pelješka Bridge in Croatia. The bridge, which was opened four years ago, is now facing structural issues including cracks in its concrete pillars, potentially leading to corrosion and further damage. The cost of repairs is estimated at between €5 and €6 million, which CRBC claims they should cover. However, the Croatian state-owned company Hrvatske ceste is still negotiating the final financial settlement with CRBC, who has additionally claimed compensation due to shortened deadlines, material price increases during the pandemic, and unfavorable market conditions. The dispute falls under international construction contract standards (FIDIC), and the arbitration committee has already rejected several of CRBC’s claims totaling around €10 million. The total value of the entire bridge project, including access roads, was over €525 million, with the EU contributing €357 million.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a contractual dispute between a Chinese construction firm and a Croatian state entity, focusing on financial negotiations and technical assessments. While the involvement of foreign entities introduces some geopolitical context, the article does not take a明显

Why factuality (85): The article reports on the ongoing repair of the Pelješka bridge in Croatia, citing the Chinese contractor CRBC's request for an additional €60 million reimbursement. It references the timeline of repairs starting in October, the estimated costs between €5-6 million, and mentions discussions between

Why objectivity (70): The article presents the situation from the perspective of the Chinese contractor and includes quotes from sources close to Hrvatske ceste, suggesting some bias. However, it does not overtly take sides, and the language remains relatively neutral. There is some emphasis on the financial disputes, wh

24ur (POP TV) logo24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 687 days ago
The Chinese are demanding 60 million euros from Croatia.

The Pelješki bridge, opened in July 2022, has developed cracks and damage, some up to six centimeters deep, due to moisture and salt ingress, posing a risk of corrosion and further structural damage. Unofficial estimates suggest repair costs could range between five to six million euros, which the Chinese contractor China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) is expected to cover. However, there are allegations that CRBC might be using this issue to claim additional compensation, citing potential responsibility for construction errors and rushed timelines. While the dispute remains unresolved, the arbitration process has rejected several claims totaling around ten million euros, leaving approximately fifty million euros in disputes pending. The situation raises broader questions about accountability for issues on one of Croatia’s major infrastructure projects.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the technical and financial issues surrounding the Pelješki bridge, including both the contractor's claims and the concerns raised by Croatian authorities. It does not overtly favor either side but reports on the ongoing legal and administrative processes.

Why factuality (75): The article reports on the condition of the Pelješki most after its opening in July 2022, noting cracks and damage caused by moisture and salt corrosion. It cites unofficial estimates of repair costs between 5-6 million euros and attributes potential responsibility to the Chinese contractor, CRBC. W

Why objectivity (68): The article presents information from multiple angles, including concerns raised internally by HRZV and the possibility that construction speed may have contributed to issues. However, it leans toward suggesting that the Chinese contractor might be using this as leverage, implying possible fault. Th

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