The iconic Koningshaven Bridge in Netherlands, commonly known as De Hef, will be partially dismantled, with its middle section temporarily removed to ensure a smooth sail for Jeff Bezos’ superyacht can sail through.

The giant, three-masted super yacht, reportedly worth $485 million, is built by Oceanco in Alblasserdam, a town in the country’s South Holland province. However, to enter the high seas, the ship needs to pass through Rotterda. It is too large for the 40-meter (131ft) clearance of the bridge.

De Hef dates back to 1878 with a renovated version opened in 1927. After suffering a heavy damage by bombs during World War II, the bridge was one of the first structures in the city to be restored. It ceased to function as a railway bridge in 1993 and has remained a national monument.

Oceanco and Bezos were said to have agreed to cover the costs of the work on the bridge. Some locals are, nevertheless, angry that the much-loved bridge will be tampered with, particularly because officials promised that the landmark would never be taken apart after its large-scale, three-year renovation was completed in 2017.

Bezos and Amazon have been accused by the media and activists of using legal loopholes to pay lower taxes and of unethical labor practices, especially during the Covid pandemic. The company has denied these allegations.

Marcel Walravens, an official in charge of the works on De Hef, explained that the bridge will be completely restored after the yacht sails through, and no other changes will be made. He said there was no other option to move the yacht.
-RT