The Bibby Stockholm barge, intended to house asylum seekers and replace expensive hotel accommodations, is set to receive its first arrivals on Monday, according to Sky News. However, the project has faced significant delays, with firefighters voicing alarm over safety issues, especially concerning overcrowding.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden expressed confidence that the government would address the safety concerns and anticipated the vessel’s readiness to host people in the coming weeks. Nonetheless, a government source indicated that the first batch of 500 asylum seekers may arrive sooner than anticipated, possibly on Monday.

Previous reports cited delays caused by checks on working practices. A Home Office source confirmed that initial setbacks were attributed to fire safety issues, such as a misplaced door, which have since been rectified. However, new delays arose due to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspections of port authority workers’ practices.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) raised alarm, labelling the barge a “potential death trap.” In contrast, Net Zero Secretary Grant Shapps dismissed these concerns, asserting that there was no reason to doubt the barge’s safety.

The Bibby Stockholm, currently docked in Portland, Dorset, was initially scheduled to start receiving asylum seekers earlier but faced delays due to additional work requirements. Despite Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defending the project, the repeated delays have sparked criticism.

The barge, designed to house up to 500 male asylum seekers, will initially accommodate 50 people in bunk beds with two to six individuals per en-suite room. The vessel will enforce 24-hour security measures and accept single male occupants exclusively.

With ongoing fire safety issues, the FBU has expressed concern for the safety of both vulnerable refugees and firefighters. They have demanded a meeting with Home Secretary Suella Braverman to discuss the matter.