The 56th National Maritime Day is being celebrated in these Islands along with entire nation on 05th April 2019. On this occasion, I extend my compliments and good wishes to the entire Marine fraternity and their families.
The theme of this year’s National Maritime Day celebrations is, ‘100 years since S S Loyalty’ as this year happens to be the centenary of the maiden voyage of first Indian Flag ship ‘Steam Ship (SS) Loyalty’, under the Swadeshi banner, from Mumbai to London on the 5th of April 1919. ‘SS Loyalty’ has an undeniable importance in the Marine history of India and her above voyage marked as the entry of India into shipping arena.
Since then and especially in the last five decades, Indian shipping had made rapid strides in the maritime sector and played a pivotal role towards the development of the country as well as these Islands.
On National Maritime Day, we affirm our commitment to harness our maritime strengths for the nation’s prosperity. On this occasion, I also re-affirm my confidence in our State and Private Shipping carriers for their continued efforts to strive with zeal and passion towards achieving greater proficiency and excellence in providing maritime services to the nation.
Sd/-
(Admiral DK Joshi)
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)
Lt. Governor
Andaman & Nicobar Islands