The dismantling of a historic bridge in Rotterdam to make way for a $500 million mega-yacht owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has received global criticism and pushback from the residents of the Dutch city. A request from the shipbuilders had reportedly already been filed with the city government, but no permit has yet been granted.
Sources said the city government has already agreed to take apart from beloved Koningshaven Bridge, known locally as De Hef, to allow the mega yacht to pass through. A spokeswoman for Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb clarified that a permit has not yet been granted that the city is still deliberating on the matter.
In a written statement, the city said it will still be conducting a review of the request. The city is planning to take a look at several factors that will be involved in the dismantling and restoration of the bridge, including its economic impact, risk of damage, and possible environmental repercussions.
The city has not specifically named the owner of the yacht or the name of the shipbuilding company. Amazon has not commented on the issue.
The existing Hef railway bridge was built in 1927 to allow trains to cross the Maas River. It was decommissioned in 1993 and replaced with a tunnel. Following public outcry, it was spared destruction and underwent a three-year rehabilitation that finished in 2017. The central portion of the bridge may be raised to allow ships to pass below but not high enough to accommodate the masts of Bezos's multi-million dollar new yacht.
On Facebook, users are calling residents to gather at the bridge to prevent it from being dismantled. Another group is calling on supporters to bring rotten eggs to throw at the mega-yacht as it passes through.
The chairman of a Rotterdam historical society, Ton Wesselink, also slammed the request to dismantle the bridge, stating that it could set a precedent for other shipbuilders. Wesselink said that other shipbuilders might follow suit and request the dismantling of other historic bridges in other countries.
Despite the overwhelmingly negative comments on the request to dismantle the bridge, there are voices that are supporting the proposal. Some residents in Rotterdam were for the dismantling, stating that if Bezos can pay for its dismantling and restoration, then there isn't ready a problem as it can create more jobs, which will be good for the economy. Another resident said that the city could charge Bezos a higher price, allowing it to profit from the project.
