The yacht supposedly built for Jeff Bezos is too big for the Dutch bridge

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands — Plans are to temporarily dismantle a recently restored historic bridge in the heart of the Dutch port city of Rotterdam for a giant yacht, believed to have been built for its founder. Amazon Jeff Bezos, being able to get to the North Sea is unlikely to be favorable.

Reports this week that the city has agreed to tear down the Koningshaven Bridge, known locally as De Hef, has sparked anger with a Facebook event set up urging people to smash the bridge. yacht worth millions of dollars with rotten eggs.

However, a spokesman for Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb told the Associated Press on Friday that although a shipbuilder has submitted a request to temporarily remove the bridge over the summer, no permits have yet been obtained. searched or granted.

Lizette Touber, a resident of Rotterdam, said: “I think it is easy to see why it is controversial as it is a very beautiful old bridge, recently restored. open up, which normally no one else can do, then you will cause controversy. “

In a written statement, Aboutaleb, who is on a visit to Colombia, said that once a permit request is submitted, it will be evaluated based on factors including economic impact, nuisance, environment and possible risks to the bridge’s “epic structure”. .

“Once a permit has been applied, the city government can make a decision on this, details can be elaborated on, and a plan can be made in the event of a positive decision,” the statement said. father said.

Local authorities declined to comment on the owner of the yacht in question or identify the shipbuilder. An email sent to Amazon seeking comment went unanswered.

The current Hef Railway Bridge was opened to trains crossing the Maas River in 1927. It survived German bombing during World War II, then was decommissioned in 1993 when it was restored. replaced by a tunnel. Public protests kept it from being demolished, and it eventually underwent a three-year renovation that ended in 2017. The middle part of the bridge can be raised to allow ships The raft passed below, but did not appear to be high enough for the mast of the new yacht. So far, the shipyard has stepped on the masts of ships after they have crossed the bridge; it’s not clear why that can’t happen with this project.

Ton Wesselink, president of a historic society organization Rotterdam, is concerned that the decision to allow one yacht to cross the bridge could set a precedent for others.

“What we don’t want is that this yacht issue opens up the possibility for shipbuilders to use it in a similar way,” he said in an email to the AP.

But there were voices in favor of the proposal.

“I think it’s fine. Let Bezos pay dearly. It creates jobs. I only see the upside,” said Ria van den Vousten, a resident of Rotterdam.

“If it’s paying and everyone’s making money, don’t complain,” she added. “Don’t talk, but act, as we say in Rotterdam.”