Falmouth's bunkering operation will be up and running next week according to Tramp Oil & Marine Limited the port's new bunkering company.

General manager of Tramp Oil & Marine, Bob Leyton said: "We have signed a mid-term agreement with Falmouth Oil Services and the first consignment of heavy fuel oil has been delivered to Falmouth by the tanker Sea Merchant."

The 18,000 tonne consignment arrived from Immingham over the weekend and was pumped ashore into Falmouth Oil Services storage tanks.

Mr Leyton confirmed that the bunkering ship Whitstar currently in drydock in Birkenhead will arrive here next week and the bunkering operation will start immediately.

"Already we have had many enquiries for fuel oil. As a company we aim to remain in Falmouth for years to come. The business is marginal at times but we hope to build up our monthly supply rates to 20-25,000 tonnes per month and maybe more."

News of the new bunkering venture has been welcomed by many businesses throughout the port.