Dutch consider dismantling historic bridge to let Bezos superyacht pass

Dutch officials are considering dismantling part of a historic bridge to allow a superyacht owned by Jeff Bezos to leave the shipyard in Rotterdam.

Rotterdam received a request from a local shipbuilder to dismantle the central section of the historic Koningshaven Bridge to allow the yacht to make its way to the ocean. However, the shipbuilder still needs to apply for a permit.

“No decision has yet been taken, not even an application for a permit," said Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb.

Before approving the permit, the city officials said they would have to consider the preservation of the bridge’s structure and the environmental and economic impact of the action.

The Koningshaven Bridge, also known as “De Hef” was renovated in 2017 and municipal officials promised it would never be dismantled again, according to Dutch media outlet Rijnmond.

The shipbuilder or Bezos would need to pay for the whole operation, said Aboutaleb.

The shipbuilder, identified as Oceano, is currently building a 417-foot (127 meters) long vessel for Bezos. The ship, known as Y721, will be the tallest sailing yacht in the world when it is completed later this year, reported Boat International. His vessel is estimated to cost around $500 million.

Oceano said it was unable to provide further comments on the ship. "Oceanco values the privacy and confidentiality of all our clients and prospective clients and therefore does not comment on our involvement or non-involvement in specific projects," a company spokesman said.