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Liverpool-based Henty Oil Ltd. has launched bunkering operations at the North Sea port of Lerwick, Shetland Islands.

Located more than 100 miles off the north coast of mainland Great Britain on the east coast of the Shetland mainland, Lerwick is the principal commercial port for Shetland.

With two entrances, the sheltered, deep-water port is open to shipping in all weathers and operates around the clock, handling over 5,000 vessels annually.

Henty will use pipeline access to 16 fuel berths to supply marine gas oil (MGO) to vessels in the fishing, cruise ship, ferry and cargo sectors.

Commenting on the news, Andrew Beechall, Sales Director at Henty Oil, said "Expanding Henty Oil’s footprint to Lerwick brings the security of a leading supplier to the key industries served by this strategic port."

"Our team is focused on building long-term relationships while offering convenience and first-class service," Beechall added.

Henty Oil was fully acquired in April 2009 by leading fuels specialist World Fuel Services Corporation.

The following month Henty was granted between GBP30 million ($45 million) and GBP 40 million ($60 million) by its new owners in order to develop the business further.

Speaking at the time, company president Paul Henty said "It’s great news as we will now have the resources to really grow the business."

"We will be looking to create small oil terminals around the UK, especially in Scotland and Ireland,” he added.

Henty Oil is a leading independent provider of marine and land based fuels in the United Kingdom. With 2008 marine volume of over 250,000 metric tons, the company also services the Irish Sea ports of Liverpool, Holyhead and Heysham.

Henty's land segment, with 2008 volume of approximately 10 million gallons, provides fuel and gas oil to a broad range of customers throughout the United Kingdom.