Netherlands will not dismantle historic bridge for Jeff Bezos’ new yacht to pass

Finally, after weeks of debate, the historic bridge of Rotterdam in Netherlands will not be dismantled to allow the passage of the new yacht of Jeff Bezos.

The bridge, with almost a century of history, was going to be dismantled so that the yacht, the second largest in the world, pass through its waters and reach your destination. However, the decision had caused protests throughout the city.

No Bezos for the yacht

The Koningshaven Bridge is in the middle of the city’s main river – the Nieuwe Mass – and is the first with a vertical lift since its creation in 1927.

From there, the so-called De Hef became an icon of the city of Rotterdam, therefore, each dismantling plan was followed by large protests that ended with said interests.

However, the problems returned after in 2021 Jeff Bezos buy a yacht called Y721 for 500 million dollars from the local company Oceanco. And to get to its destination, the sailboat has to pass over the bridge, which is only 46 meters high.

Earlier this year, city officials from Rotterdam they told local media that the bridge would be temporarily dismantled to allow passage of the superyacht when it was completed. But the population was not happy and was already preparing different riots if this happened.

Given this, the mayor of the city, Ahmed Aboutaleb, has indicated that there will be no dismantling of the bridge and Oceanco did not request the required permit.

defended the project

Netherlands it is one of the few countries where luxury yachts are built.

“From an economic and employment perspective, the municipality considers this to be a very important project,” said Marcel Walravens, leader of the yacht project. “Also, Rotterdam it has also been declared the maritime capital of Europe. Shipbuilding and activity within that sector are therefore an important pillar for the municipality.”

It is unclear if the company has any other plans to finish the yacht and put it out to sea, so the 121-meter-long ship remains without a gunner exit.

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