The original Werkendam ferry de Werkendam lll, which was auctioned in December last year, will nevertheless be delivered to the highest bidder: Jaap Koeman. Despite that highest offer, the selling party initially did not want to deliver the ferry to him. “We had heard that Koeman was a trader, instead of the sought-after enthusiast who would refurbish and cherish the boat,” says Henri van Noorloos of the selling foundation.
In December of last year, Jaap Koeman was the highest bidder at the auction, where the old ferry Werkendam III was auctioned. “I had bought the boat for 52,000 euros, but the selling foundation simply did not want to deliver the boat to me,” he says.
“Suddenly there was talk of a sale by award, while at the auction there was no mention of it. Hence the summary proceedings on Monday, I bought the boat at that auction and want to have it delivered as well.”
Henri van Noorloos of the Werkendam ferry service foundation says that the judge did not have to make a decision at the last minute on Monday. “We came to an agreement among ourselves. It has now been agreed with Koeman that he may not resell the Werkendam lll ferry for the first three years. We had heard from shipping circles that he was planning to do so. That is why we had so far refused to sell the boat transfer.”