The modern port of Cochin was developed during the period 1920 to 1940.  Sir. Rober Bristo was the visionery harbour engineering chief, responsible for the modernisation of Cochin port.

He was responsible for the daring engineering feet of cutting across the rock like barriers of sand and silt at the mount of harbour to open up the present port at the Willingdon Island.

The Cochin port was decaled a major port on the First of August 1936.

The harbour administration was taken over by the Government of India and Sir. Robert Bristo was appointed as the first administrative officer of the port.

Cochin Port was declared as major port under major port trust act in feb 1964.
The adminin is now vested with the board of trustees appointed by Government Of India