Rotterdam’s Iconic Bridge To Be Dismantled To Let Jeff Bezos’ Megayacht Pass

Money surely talks but Jeff Bezos proved he is pretty much is in charge of the entire dialogue. The Amazon founder’s wealth and possessions are no big secret and it comes as no surprise to know that Bezos has a custom megayacht. The first mention of this 417-foot-long vessel was made in May 2021 in Brad Stone’s book, Amazon Unbound. Referred to as the Y721, the yacht is estimated to cost $500 million.

We are talking about a massive, three-masted schooner that is currently constructed in the Netherlands, as per Dutch broadcast organization Rijnmond. Once the gigantic yacht is completed and ready to make its way to Jeff Bezos, it will have to cross the port city of Rotterdam to reach the seas. However, the masts will be too tall to pass under the city’s landmark, the Koningshaven Bridge which has a 130-foot clearance.

So Jeff Bezos did what a billionaire would do. He, along with boatmaker Oceanco, asked Rotterdam to temporarily dismantle the historic bridge and promised to reimburse them for the expenses incurred. 

Rijnmond had reported, “The bridge, which locals refer to as De Hef, is nearly 100 years old, and while it no longer functions as a railroad crossing, it’s become something of a monument in the city. It was renovated and then put back together in 2017, after which the city pledged it wouldn’t be taken apart again.” But we guess this was applicable to everyone who isn’t Jeff Bezos. 

The city has agreed to take down the centre portion to allow Bezos’ yacht to pass through, a process that could take more than two weeks. Rotterdam city officials are looking at this as a revenue generator.

“From an economic perspective and maintaining employment, the municipality considers this a very important project,” municipal project leader Marcel Walravens said. “In addition, Rotterdam has also been declared the maritime capital of Europe. Shipbuilding and activity within that sector are therefore an important pillar of the municipality.”

The tall masts are also expected to be a hazard to helicopters, so the billionaire has asked for a support yacht with a helipad to follow the Y721. Jeff Bezos’ megayacht is expected to be delivered this year.