A historic bridge in Rotterdam for the passage of a huge yacht has not been dismantled, according to media reports, which Amazon founder and American billionaire Jeff Bezos built there. Shipbuilder Oceanco has told authorities it will not apply for the partial dismantling of the Koningshavenbrug vessel following backlash and threats, a spokesperson for the Dutch port city confirmed Tuesday.
The plan infuriated Rotterdam residents: the nearly 100-year-old bridge was to make room for the luxury yacht. There have been calls on social media to salute the ship with rotten eggs. Now the daily Trouw reports that the shipbuilder fears sabotage and has therefore called off the campaign. The luxury shipbuilder did not initially respond to inquiries. It is unclear how – and to what extent – the ship should now reach the open sea.
The sailing yacht must be completed this summer and towed to sea. But the 46-meter-high bridge, popularly called “De Heve”, was on its way. Therefore, the moving centerpiece must be disassembled and restored after passing through. The three-quarters vessel is currently being built at a shipyard near Rotterdam and is estimated to cost around €430 million.
The former railway bridge over the River Meuse is a listed building. It is called a lift bridge, where the middle part can be lifted up to allow ships to pass. Since 1993, no trains have crossed the iconic bridge.
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