Bibby Stockholm update, September 2024

Purpose: This is a joint update from the subgroups that feed into the Multi Agency Forum (MAF), which supports operational planning of the Bibby Stockholm barge in Portland. The MAF consists of representatives from the Home Office, Dorset Council, Portland Town Council, Weymouth Town Council, Dorset Police, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, NHS Dorset, and the barge operators Landry & Kling and CTM. Please share the following information with your networks.

The future of Bibby Stockholm

Following the announcement on 23 July by the Minister for Border Security and Asylum not to extend the contract for use of the Bibby Stockholm barge beyond January 2025, there is a clear plan, agreed with local agencies, for the closure process.

There will be no new arrivals to the vessel. Asylum interviews are well underway for the current residents on the Bibby Stockholm. Residents will be moved off board to receive their asylum decision and will be dispersed across the country. Please be assured that none of the residents will be moved from the Bibby Stockholm to addresses in the Dorset Council area.

Asylum interviews and notifications for Service Users to move off the barge will take place at a steady pace until the vessel becomes empty. Once the final resident has left, the decommission process will start from the end of November and will be completed in early January, when the vessel will be handed back to Bibby Marine.

More information about the closure of the vessel is in the Portland Port: factsheet on GOV.UK which will continue to be updated throughout the coming weeks and months.

All partners will continue to work with the Home Office while the vessel is moored at Portland to understand how this decision will impact on the people seeking asylum who are currently, based on the barge.

Site update

Migrant Help continue to offer a service to residents to enhance the 24/7 access which is already in place. Residents are now able to book an appointment with a Migrant Help advisor who will be on board fortnightly to assist residents with any questions, complaints or concerns that they may have.

Community Safety

The Community Impact Group (CIG) comprises of representatives from the Police, NHS, Dorset Council, Portland Town Council, Weymouth Town Council, local business community and other community representatives. Any issues are raised at the regular CIG meetings and discussed with solutions identified and appropriate action taken forward.

Over the summer we have seen more of the residents out and about in the local community whether it’s to take part in activities or to explore the local area. The staff on board the barge, as part of the resident’s induction have been advising them of appropriate behaviour in the community and continue to reinforce messages of what is acceptable. However, if anyone has any concerns about interactions they either observe or are directly involved with regarding residents of the barge, please make sure to report it to Dorset Police.

Barge residents continue to have a low impact on the communities on Portland and Weymouth. Any issues are dealt with promptly and proportionately.

Media and social media continue to be monitored. Where appropriate, Multi Agency Forum partners provide accurate, factual information to dispel rumours and reduce the spread of misinformation.

Please share these updates and information with other people in your networks.