The Cochin Port Trust is observing the ‘Cochin Port Day’ on Monday (May 26) to commemorate the entry of the first ship into the inner harbour.
The construction of the inner harbour in 1921 was deemed as the transformation of Kochi as a modern and safe port. The first ship – S.S. Padma - entered the inner harbour through the widened and deepened Cochin Gut on May 26, 1928.
The objective of the observance will be to instil a sense of oneness and inspire collective morale among the port fraternity.
The function will begin with a business seminar. V J Kurien Chief Secretary and Managing Director, Cochin International Airport Ltd, will deliver the key note address. Awards will be given to port users for best Exim business achievements in FY 2013-14.
A ship will be kept open for visit to the general public at the BTP berth near Samudrika from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Highlight of this year’s celebration will be commencement of a ‘Cochin Maritime Heritage Museum’ which houses a collection of photographs on various stages of construction and development during the Bristow period. The museum has a rich display of navigational instruments used in the early decades of 20th century.