The modern port of Cochin was developed during the period 1920 to 1940. Sir. Robert Bristow was the visionary harbor engineering chief, responsible for the modernization of Cochin Port.

He was responsible for the daring engineering feat of cutting the rock like barriers of sand and silt at the mouth of harbor to open up the present Port at the Willingdon Island.

The Cochin Port was declared a Major Port on the first of August, 1936.

Accessibility of the Port
The Mattanchery channel and Ernakulam channel connect the port to the mainland.
A link road also connects Wellingdon Island to the NH47 bypass.
The port only has a single-lane broad gauge rail track, which is 8 km long.
The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport.

Accommodation Facilities near the Port
The nearest hotels to the port in Willingdon Island include Taj Malabar, Trident Hilton and Casino

Amenities at the Port
Facilitating services include a tourist information centre, medical support, taxi service and parking space.

Recent Developments
In line with the plans of transforming Cochin into one of the cruise hubs in India, the port authority is planning to Open a shopping mall for cruise passengers The complex will provide facilities for entertainment and recreation, shopping, dining, health clubs, conferencing and trade exhibitions. The shopping complex will be built based on PPP mode.