The barge will accommodate single men while their asylum claims are processed, with the first residents due 'in coming months'. The UK government says further vessels could also be used.
The UK government plans to house 500 asylum seekers on a barge to reduce costs and deter channel crossings.The UK prime minister has vowed to stop crossings of the Channel, which hit more than 45,000 last year.
But charity group Refugee Council said the barge will be "completely inadequate" for "vulnerable people who have come to our country in search of safety having fled beatings and death threats in countries such as Afghanistan and Iran". "We're bringing forward alternative sites, like indeed the barge that we've announced today, that will save us money and indeed reduce pressure on hotels," he added.
"We are keen to play our part in the national effort to house some of the thousands of people needing accommodation," said Bill Reeves, chief executive of Portland Port.
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