Dorabjee Naorojee Mithaiwala
Everybody knows the Star Ferry. It is old and slow, but it is one of Hong Kong's most famous tourist attractions. If you want to slow down and remember why Hong Kong is such an amazing city, it's the perfect way to cross from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon.
But, did you know it was started by an Indian businessman? His name was Dorabjee Naorojee Mithaiwala and he launched the first Star boat in 1888. Not much is known about him. He probably had some hotels in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. He might have started out as a cook. He might have sold opium to make his money.
In the morning
The first ferry running between Hong Kong and Kowloon was called the Morning Star. In 1888 it took an hour to cross the harbour. The boat was powered with coal. The company then was called the Kowloon Ferry Company.
The company became the Star Ferry Co probably around 12 years later. More ferries were added to the fleet. They were all called Star. In 1906, a big typhoon hit Hong Kong. Two of the ferries were destroyed. They were replaced with faster ones.