Asylum Seeker Accommodation at Portland Port

You will doubtless be aware that Portland Port has agreed to provide berthing space for a barge to be moored alongside one of its quays for asylum seekers. The barge, called the ‘Bibby Stockholm’, will accommodate about 500 people while their asylum claims are processed.  It will provide basic and functional accommodation, and healthcare provision, catering facilities and 24/7 security will be in place on board.

Many of those seeking asylum would have left their homes due to devastating circumstances and some may have lost loved ones.  At boatfolk we believe that it is the responsibility of everyone to help others in crisis, and we know that our community will join us in offering a warm welcome to those that are seeking a safe haven on our shores.

Understandably there will be questions around how this may impact the local area and our boatfolk community at Portland Marina. What we know so far is that Portland Port will work with the government and local partners to minimise the impact on public services. We also know that there are plans for significant investment in buildings and infrastructure to support the facility, to ensure essential needs are met and for it to become as self-sufficient as possible. 

We will continue to keep you updated if and when we hear more and as always our team at Portland Marina are on hand to help with anything you need. If you have any questions regarding the above please reach out to portland@boatfolk.co.uk.

Q&A

Please note that this is based on the information we have so far and may be subject to change.

How many people will the barge be housing? The barge, called the Bibby Stockholm, will accommodate about 500 people whilst their asylum claims are processed.  It will provide basic and functional accommodation, and healthcare provision, catering facilities and 24/7 security will be in place on board.

When is it arriving and how long will it be there for? The barge is currently in dry dock having a refit and is expected to arrive in June. It is due to be operational for at least 18 months initially and will stay berthed in the port during that time. The first asylum seekers are expected to arrive in July.     There will be close co-operation with local agencies, including the health, welfare and emergency services during the preparations for the vessel’s arrival and its operation.

What security measures are being put into place? 24/7 security will be in place on board. The only way asylum seekers can leave the barge is by coach and they cannot roam the port and immediate vicinity. This is expected to be one coach a day and there will be a few pick-up and drop-off points outside of the port that will be agreed by the council. Portland Port are working with Dorset Council and a team of people to agree the route and drop off points. No economic migrants, criminals or under 18s are included in the population on board under a robust screening process. There will be a strict code of conduct that asylum seekers will be expected to abide by and failure to comply with this will result in immediate detention.

What about the local infrastructure? The port will be working closely with the government and local partners to maximise economic benefits from the vessel and minimise the impact on public services in the area. There will also be significant investment in buildings and infrastructure to support the facility, ensure the essential needs of its occupants are met and for it become as self-sufficient as possible. Although they won’t be able to work, it is the hope that some of the asylum seekers will be able to volunteer and make a contribution to the local area too