Bibby Stockholm: Inside the controversial barge and its use before housing UK asylum seekers

barge docked in Portland Port, Dorset imminentlyImmigration Minister Robert Jenrick said the barge would accept its first occupants “in the coming days”, though it is widely believed that the first 50 men, aged between 18 and 65, will board on Monday.

However, pressure on local resources has meant ministers have promised to stop letting asylum seekers stay in hotels. The barge has 222 en-suite bedrooms with a shower, two single beds, window, TV, desk, wardrobe and extra storage.As well as the reception desk on entry and Wi-Fi throughout, the vessel has a 24-hour canteen, laundry facility, gym, television and games, and multi-faith room.

Mr Jenrick said the plan to fill the barge to the max capacity of around 500 will still go ahead, despite concerns from the Fire Brigades Union that the accommodation is a “potential deathtrap” that was initially designed to house about 200, and that overcrowding could lead to lack of access to fire exits.The boat, owned by Bibby Marine Ltd, officially has capacity for 506 people.

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