Today, a very interesting and touching ceremony was held on board CV Centaurus and I am very happy I got the chance of witnessing it. I have always wanted to see an official ceremony of baptizing a ship or opening of a new port, but neither of these happened during my sailing time on board Hansa vessels.

Today I was lucky. My new ship – CV Centaurus – happened to be the first vessel to call a brand new terminal on the West Coast of India and a special welcome ceremony was held on this occasion.

The new PSA Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal is located in Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) and – after its completion – it will be the largest container terminal in India, capable of handling super post-panamax vessels.

The festivity started at 10 o’clock in the morning on the pier with the gathering of managing directors of JNP port and its new partners – PSA Port of Singapore and CMA CGM – together with other representatives from local authorities and media. First, customary to local traditions, a small ceremony was dedicated to the symbolic offerings to Gods.

The Captain and Chief Engineer were invited on the pier to greed the officials and the whole crowd boarded the ship and reunited in the Recreation Room.

Here, after the usual speeches and other traditional rituals of recognition, receiving blessings and giving thanks, the captain was presented with the Ceremonial Plaque – stating the event – and lots of photos were taken. Then, a huge cake was cut to celebrate the happy moment and to complete the ceremony on board.

Upon departure, more photos were taken on the pier, in front of the vessel, where a big banner had been placed in honor of CV Centaurus.

The festivity was closed with a lunch buffet at the Terminal’s Offices Building where we had the chance of engaging in some interesting conversation with the managing directors, some of the office’s employers and representatives of the press.

I am very happy I was part of this ceremony today and glad it turned out well for all of us. I am happy I got the chance to see everybody on board taking particular care about their looks, wearing new uniforms and all smiling. They all looked so handsome!