Ship to house extra police during G7 Summit has arrived in Falmouth

The MS Silja Europa ferry has been hired by the force, as it drafts in 5,000 additional officers on mutual aid

Author: Emma HartPublished 7th Jun 2021

The ship, hired to help accommodate extra police officers during the G7 in Cornwall, has arrived in Falmouth.

Around 5,000 have been drafted in from forces across the UK for the world leaders' event at Carbis Bay.

The MS Silja Europa will be used to provide around 20% of the total accommodation for the additional officers and staff, including catering and other "essential facilities".

The vessel will be moored in Falmouth for 10 days, including for the duration of the summit.

The MS Silja Europa, normally used for Baltic cruises, has around 1,500 passenger cabins, as well as seven restaurants, coffee shops, a nightclub and full spa and beauty salon.

However, the force has stressed that a restaurant, shop and accomodation are the only facilities that will be available for teams working the summit.

"The vessel will remain static, moored in Falmouth, used for a 10 day period, with only the accommodation, catering and other essential facilities in use.

"We are working closely with the vessel owners, ports authorities and health partners to ensure the safe use of this accommodation.

"Those staying onboard will strictly follow all the applicable COVID safety guidelines, enhanced by daily testing - consistent with staff staying at all other accommodation sites across the force area".

Devon and Cornwall Police