Jeff Bezos, the CEO of Amazon and one of the wealthiest individuals globally, is currently having a massive superyacht constructed in a shipyard in Alblasserdam, Netherlands. The yacht, measuring approximately 417 feet long, reflects Bezos’ penchant for luxury. However, an oversight occurred as the yacht’s size poses a problem in leaving the port due to the historic Koningshavenbrug Bridge located in Rotterdam.
The Koningshavenbrug Bridge, with a rich history dating back to 1878 and rebuilt after World War II, stands as a significant landmark in the city. Despite assurances from the city council following the bridge’s renovation in 2017 that it would remain untouched, it now faces the prospect of partial disassembly to accommodate Bezos’ yacht’s passage.
The Mayor of Rotterdam’s office stated that dismantling the bridge temporarily would stimulate the city’s economy and create job opportunities. Assurances were given that the bridge would be restored to its original state post the yacht’s passage. However, local residents express discontent over the disruption to their iconic landmark.
Jeff Bezos’ superyacht won’t fit through a historic bridge so the town is dismantling it and residents aren’t happy.
February 3, 2022
“Jobs are important, but there are limits with what you can and should do with our industrial heritage,” remarked Ton Wesselink, a Rotterdam resident and local historian, to Dutch News.
