Crossing the world’s largest boat by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos through the De Hef . Bridge,
Rotterdam has revealed its plan to dismantle a historic bridge, in order to make way for a luxury yacht, built for Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
The Dutch company, Oceanco, is building the world’s largest luxury boat, which Mr. Bezos has owned since last year.
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Jeff Bezos’ yacht is 417 ft (127 m) long and 130 ft (40 m) too long to pass over the historic Koningshaven Bridge in Rotterdam.
This led to the decision of the authorities in the city of Rotterdam to temporarily dismantle the central part of the historic bridge.
The ship, dubbed Y721, will also be the largest of its kind in the world, as it is rumored to have a large number of luxury amenities.
In addition to an attached “support yacht” with a helipad upon request.
De Hef. Bridge
De Hef Bridge, also known as Koningshaven Bridge, built in 1877,
the bridge was badly damaged and rebuilt during World War II, later designated as a historical monument.
The bridge also underwent another restoration between 2014 and 2017,
after which officials promised not to dismantle the bridge again.
Rotterdam residents angered Jeff Bezos for dismantling a historic bridge
The dismantling of a recently renovated National Historic Landmark, the billionaire’s pleasure ship,
is certainly controversial.
The decision angered many residents, who threatened to throw rotten eggs on Jeff Bezos’ luxury yacht as it sailed through the port of Rotterdam.
Locals in Rotterdam are preparing for a protest titled “Throwing eggs on Jeff Bezos’ luxury yacht”.
Crossing the world’s largest boat by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos through the De Hef . Bridge
As he described the event on Facebook, “Summoning all Rotterdam,
take a crate of rotten eggs with you and let’s collectively throw it into Jeff’s superyacht as he sails through the Hef in Rotterdam.”
3,300 people confirmed their attendance, while 11,600 people expressed an interest in attending,
Rotterdam politician Stefan Lewis wrote on Twitter, “This guy made his money by structurally reducing staff, evading taxes, and avoiding regulations,
now we have to demolish our monument. Beautiful patriot? “This really goes too far.”
The mayor’s office also stated that the idea was spurred on by the jobs produced by the ship’s construction,
and that the bridge would be reconstructed in its current state within two weeks.
The municipality spokesman added that the dismantling of the historic bridge will be the only way for the luxury yacht to the sea.
Marcel Walravens, head of the project for the municipal authorities in Rotterdam,
agreed that completing the yacht elsewhere would be impractical.
As Marcel Walravens stated, the project was “extremely necessary” in economic terms,
referring to Rotterdam’s reputation as the “maritime capital” of Europe.
Jeff Bezos is the third richest man in the world
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has a fortune of more than $175 billion (£130 billion),
making him the third richest person in the world.
Bezos owns the Washington Post and space company Blue Origin,
in addition to being a giant in the e-commerce market.
Jeff Bezos launched e-commerce giant Amazon from his Seattle garage in 1994.
In July 2021, he resigned as CEO to become executive chairman.
Crossing the world’s largest boat by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos through the De Hef . Bridge
During the COVID19 pandemic, Amazon saw a 38% increase in sales to $386 billion in 2020.
Many stayed at home and made online purchases;
While senators and the general public have criticized Amazon for its handling of warehouse employees during the coronavirus pandemic.
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