Cochin, Oct 11 : An international Japanese ship called the 'Peace Boat', which is on mission to spread peace and friendship around the world, dropped anchor off Cochin on Wednesday.

Launched by a Japan-based NGO, the ship aims to create awareness on peace, human rights, equal and sustainable development and respect for the environment.

The ship, carrying close 1,100 passengers of different nationalities, including UK, Australia and New Zealand, started its journey from Tokyo on September 23.

"The idea is that people are learning that despite different cultures we are basically the same. If ordinary people can mix together and learn from each other then the leaders should follow suit," said Steven Cleri, an Australian passenger.

Peace Boat activists interacted freely with the residents. A soccer match was staged between the residents and the Peace Boat team.

"This is a ship that is voyaging around the world to different countries and now we have come to India. We decided to make a soccer club to have cultural exchanges with other world," said Matario Mabuchi, one of the Japanese passengers.

In its 59th 'Around the World' voyage, the ship will next halt in Jordan.

Peace Boat will touch 21 ports around the globe before returning to Japan in January next year. (ANI)