The Bibby Stockholm barge, which has been at the center of controversy as accommodation for asylum seekers, has officially departed from Portland Port after 18 months of existence at the site. Photographs taken on January 31, 2025, captured the moment the vessel was towed away, marking the end of its tumultuous service amid significant public scrutiny and criticism.
The barge first arrived at Portland Port, Dorset, in July 2023, intended to function as temporary housing for asylum seekers awaiting decisions on their applications. Initially, it accommodated about 500 men but faced allegations of inadequate living conditions shortly after its arrival. Five days post-occupation, it had to be evacuated when traces of Legionella bacteria were detected, raising immediate health concerns.
Following the Labour Party's victory in the general election of 2024, the government announced significant changes to the country’s asylum system, declaring the Bibby Stockholm would cease operations by January 2025. Only eight asylum seekers remained on the vessel when they disembarked in November 2024, marking the beginning of the barge’s decommissioning process.
Throughout its operation, the Bibby Stockholm became emblematic of the UK's struggles with its asylum system. Critics characterized the barge as 'a prison' for individuals who had fled dangerous conditions. A statement signed by over 60 charities and three Labour MPs emphasized, "For those on board, the Bibby Stockholm feels like a prison. It is cramped, restrictive and segregated..." This sentiment was echoed by local advocacy groups who consistently voiced concerns about mental health issues among the residents.
The financial impact of the barge's operation was notable, costing taxpayers at least £34.8 million, according to the National Audit Office. If the contract had been extended, it would have cost taxpayers an additional £20 million annually as per statements from the Home Office.
During its use, the barge became the focal point for protests, as local residents engaged regularly with human rights activists outside the port gates. Local GP surgeries and dental practices, already stretched to their limits, faced added pressure due to the influx of men from the barge. The government previously argued the Bibby Stockholm represented a cost-effective solution compared to housing asylum seekers in hotels, but public opinion was sharply divided.
Alarming events occurred during its time housing asylum seekers, including the reported suicide of Leonard Farruku, an Albanian asylum seeker, highlighting the mental toll the environment inflicted on residents. Social services and charities raised alarms following this tragedy, demanding immediate reforms to the conditions under which asylum seekers were housed.
With the completion of the barge's decommissioning process, the Home Office confirmed its inability to comment on the vessel's new destination as it no longer owned the barge. A Home Office spokesperson reiterated their commitment: "We remain absolutely committed to ending the use of hotels for asylum seekers." This reflects the government’s focus on reducing costs and improving the asylum process amid continuous pressure from advocacy groups.
Following its departure, it was reported by Marine Traffic website observers such as one tugboat currently towing the barge is rumored to be heading to Holland. This closure signifies the end of the Bibby Stockholm's role within the UK's complex asylum accommodation framework, but it leaves unresolved questions about the future treatment of asylum seekers struggling with processing delays and inadequate accommodations.
While the Bibby Stockholm is no longer at Portland Port, the conversation around the UK's asylum policies and the associated living conditions continues. The government has affirmed intentions to take action against the backlog of nearly 86,000 awaiting asylum decisions, including increasing the pace of processing claims to alleviate the strain on local resources and improve the lives of those seeking refuge within its borders.
The fate of the Bibby Stockholm may have been sealed, but the challenges facing the UK's asylum and immigration system persist. Local communities, advocates, and government officials will have to navigate the complex issues surrounding asylum seekers’ rights, the welfare of individuals, and the protection of local services moving forward.