A massive barge which will be used to house asylum seekers has arrived in Falmouth in the next few days for inspection and refit.

The massive three storey barge will be used to house single men when it arrives at its final destination in Portland Port in June.

Falmouth Packet: The Bibby Stockholm was towed to Falmouth by an Italian tugThe Bibby Stockholm was towed to Falmouth by an Italian tug (Image: Supplied)

The barge arrived in Falmouth Bay early this morning before it docked at one of the wharves this morning.

Any necessary refurbishment and general maintenance ahead of its berthing in Portland in the coming weeks will be carried out by A&P.

The barge was towed all the way to the UK by an Italian-flagged tugboat.

The Bibby Stockholm has tonnage of 10,659 tons it is 93.44 m (306.6 ft) in length and houses up to 506 people in 222 bedrooms.

Falmouth Packet: The Bibby Stockholm arrives in FalmouthThe Bibby Stockholm arrives in Falmouth (Image: Kathy White)

Based in Genoa the barge is described as having a gym, including treadmills, cross trainers and weights, bar, restaurant and games room although it is not known if these will be available to asylum seekers.

The barge is described as having natural ventilation and wi-fi connection throughout by its owners and "provides a great solution for projects across the globe". 

Falmouth Packet: The Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge arrives into Falmouth, Cornwall, to undergo inspection. The 222-bedroom, three-storey vessel, will house around 500 migrants when it is in position in Portland Port, despite the concerns of Conservative council and police chiefsThe Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge arrives into Falmouth, Cornwall, to undergo inspection. The 222-bedroom, three-storey vessel, will house around 500 migrants when it is in position in Portland Port, despite the concerns of Conservative council and police chiefs (Image: PA)

A spokesperson for the Home Office said: "The Bibby Stockholm will be in Falmouth where it will go through a statutory inspection along with any necessary refurbishment and general maintenance ahead of its berthing in Portland in the coming weeks. It will not be used to house asylum seekers whilst in Falmouth.

Falmouth Packet: Bibby Stockholm off the Cornish coastBibby Stockholm off the Cornish coast (Image: Matt Keeble/PA Wire)

"The Home Office has been working closely with the local community in Falmouth and will continue to whilst the vessel is in the area."

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The Bibby Stockholm will be in Falmouth where it will go through a statutory inspection along with any necessary refurbishment and general maintenance ahead of its berthing in Portland in the coming weeks.

Falmouth Packet: Bibby Stockholm arrives in FalmouthBibby Stockholm arrives in Falmouth (Image: Supplied)

The Home Office says it has engaged with the local community in Falmouth and will continue to whilst the vessel is in the area.

The Home Office says it is committed to making every effort to reduce hotel use and limit the burden on the taxpayer.

Falmouth Packet: Bibby Stockholm arrives in Falmouth DocksBibby Stockholm arrives in Falmouth Docks (Image: Kathy White)

It says the current asylum system is under extreme pressure and costing the country £3 billion a year and rising, including around £6 million a day on hotel accommodation. The 51,000 figure includes all asylum seekers in temporary accommodation, including hotels as well as initial accommodation.

"We continue to ensure the accommodation provided is safe, secure, leaves no one destitute and is appropriate for an individual’s needs," they said.