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Marine fuel supplier J.R. Rix & Sons has launched its latest bunker tanker in a ceremony at Alexandra Dock in Hull, Hull Daily Mail reports.

The 2,000 deadweight tonne (dwt) MV Lizrix is the latest in a fleet of four new coastal oil tankers that have been acquired by the company as part of its £12 million (US$23.4 million) investment programme.

Managing Director Tim Rix described the investment as significant for the company as it would now allow them to deliver marine fuel to any ship in UK coastal waters. Rix previously operated two estuarial barges that delivered bunker fuel to ships in the Humber estuary only.

Rory Clarke, Managing Director of subsidiary Rix Petroleum, said the introduction of the new fleet was "a big step forward" for the company as it would increase the firm's capacity to deliver fuel to customers more than four-fold.

The Lizrix, named after Elizabeth Rix, daughter of the group's Managing Director, has five storage tanks and capacity for 2,200 cubic metres (m3) of marine fuel.

J. R. Rix & Sons Limited is a long established family owned business with interests in fuel distribution, shipping, petrol retailing, car sales, shipbuilding, stevedoring, transport and warehousing.

Subsidiary Maritime Bunkering is a broker, trader and physical supplier of bunker fuel. The company has been providing a full range of marine fuels on the East Coast of the UK for a number of years.

The largest member of the group is Rix Petroleum with over 100 branded filling stations and a substantial fuel tanker fleet operation. The company provides fuel, lubricant and tank services to the agricultural, commercial, domestic and haulage sectors distributing petroleum products throughout Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, the Midlands and the East Coast of Scotland.