Kochi: The India International Boat Show (IIBS) 2003, billed as Southeast Asia's largest international boating and maritime event, got off to a colourful start at the port city of Kochi.

A novel expo of various marine products and its services is being organised in connection with the event.

On display at the 52,000-sq ft air-conditioned space and 8,000-sq ft riverside lawns were luxury motor yachts, sport fishers, performance boats, personal watercrafts and other marine accessories and electronics.

Several international and national companies are participating in the event. "With such an impressive attendance of the who's who from different parts of the world, it is not just tourism in Kerala but the booming marine industry in the region will also be benefited," say tourism officials.

A media contingent of leading national and international boating magazines and other publications are covering the show extensively.

Motero Boat & Yachting Magazine, Catamaran World, Great Lakes Boating, IBI, and European Boatbuilder Magazine will be some of the notable names representing the international media. IIBS 2003 has attracted a great deal of interest from world-famous marine boat manufacturers and accessories dealers.

Cummins India, a leading manufacturer of diesel engines, will be demonstrating its improved capability to serve the low HP marine market at IIBS. The 6B and 6BT engines added to the wider range from 100 HP to 2300 HP enables Cummins to serve fishing trawlers, ferries, barges, tugs and pilot launches in addition to Indian Navy warships.