Latest news with #Waterways
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Waterways Cruises and Events Launches 2025 Summer Cruise Series Aboard Renovated Sightseer Yacht
Seattle's Waterways Cruises unveils two exciting new cruises and the return of a favorite, offering unique sightseeing and sunset experiences aboard the renovated Sightseer this summer, with departures from South Lake Union and Fisherman's Terminal. SEATTLE, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Waterways Cruises and Events is kicking off the summer season with the return of its popular Unwind Cruise and the launch of two brand-new experiences: the Sip and Sunset Cruise and the Seattle Sightseeing Cruise. All three are hosted aboard the Sightseer, a casual, open-air yacht fully renovated in 2023 to enhance guest comfort and panoramic views. The Unwind Cruise and Sip and Sunset Cruise will depart from South Lake Union, offering laid-back, social experiences with skyline views, light bites and a selection of wine, beer and cocktails. The Seattle Sightseeing Cruise, departing from Fishermen's Terminal, will offer a narrated journey through the ship canal with a brief tour of Lake Union and back to the Ballard Locks "These cruises give guests a fun and easy way to enjoy summer in Seattle," said Jeff Culton, chief operating officer at Waterways Cruises and Events. "We're excited to relaunch the Sightseer with experiences that highlight the best of the city—from iconic skyline sunsets to the unique history of our waterways." In addition to its summer cruise series, Waterways has expanded its offerings with the launch of Lakeside, a new land-based event venue located on the South Lake Union waterfront. Designed for weddings, corporate gatherings and private celebrations, Lakeside offers a modern, flexible space that complements Waterways' on-the-water experiences and provides guests with a scenic, versatile setting in the heart of the city. The summer cruise series launches in June, with regular departures through the season. Full schedules, ticket details and onboard offerings are available at About Waterways Cruises and Events Founded in 1994, Waterways Cruises and Events is a family-owned company that offers premier cruise experiences on Seattle's lakes and Puget Sound. What began as a single charter yacht has grown into a fleet of four dining and entertainment vessels, hosting more than 60,000 guests each year. Waterways hosts a wide range of events, including weddings, corporate functions, private celebrations and public dining cruises. In 2025, the company expanded its offerings with the opening of Lakeside, a modern event venue located on South Lake Union. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Waterways Cruises and Events
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
New Bharat dawns with a resurgent Northeast: Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal
Guwahati: In a compelling call to action, Union Minister of Ports , Shipping and Waterways , Sarbananda Sonowal invited global and domestic investors to explore the unprecedented growth potential of Northeast India. Speaking at the Northeast Investor Summit – Bharat Mandapam held in New Delhi, Sonowal emphasised that a 'New Bharat is dawning with a resurgent Northeast at its heart.' Addressing the summit's thematic discussion Topic 'Unlocking Capital for NE Infrastructure ,' Sonowal highlighted the transformation of the Northeast Region (NER) over the last decade, attributing this resurgence to the sustained leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 'Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the Northeast has undergone an era-defining transformation. What was once perceived as remote and isolated is now rapidly becoming India's gateway to Southeast Asia,' Sonowal said. 'The region is not just a part of India's growth story—it is now a major chapter in it.' Sonowal pointed to a landmark figure—more than 700 visits by Cabinet Ministers to the Northeast in the past decade—as proof of the government's sustained focus on the region's development. Sonowal stressed the government's commitment to inclusive infrastructure, particularly in maritime and inland waterways, which are reshaping the economic landscape of the region. Live Events 'Inland waterways are one of the most promising frontiers of development for the Northeast,' Sonowal said. 'We now have more than 20 notified National Waterways in the region. The scheme is being promoted to catalyse multi-modal connectivity, create logistics hubs, and boost cargo movement. Infra development along these waterways will unlock new corridors of economic activity and generate large-scale employment.' Highlighting India's logistics advantage, Sonowal noted that 90% of the country's trade by volume and 70% by value moves through shipping, With Inland Waterways under the IBPR (Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route) and Sittwe Port in Myanmar will act as an emerging game changers in unfolding transformative transportation unlocking value. In a nod to the region's rich talent pool, Sonowal detailed new initiatives in maritime skill development targeting youth from the Northeast, preparing them for careers in port operations, vessel management, and logistics. Sonowal also emphasised the immense potential for 'Heal in India' medical tourism in the NER, leveraging the region's natural serenity, wellness traditions, and rising healthcare infrastructure. 'The market potential of the Northeast is not limited to domestic consumption,' Sonowal said. 'It connects directly with ASEAN and BBIN nations, offering investors unparalleled access to over 600 million consumers in neighbouring economies.' The summit witnessed participation from major domestic and international investors, development agencies, and policy leaders. Sonowal's address served as a clarion call to align investments with the government's infrastructure thrust, particularly in sectors such as waterways, logistics, tourism, wellness and healthcare. With its newfound connectivity, abundant natural resources, and youthful demographic, Northeast India is now poised to become a key driver of India's growth story—ushering in a truly inclusive and integrated New Bharat. Bimal Borah Assam Minister for Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises, Bimal Borah said the State is poised to reach a whopping Rs 11 lakh crore GSDP by 2030, positioning the State among the leading States in the country. Borah said this while addressing the ministerial session on 'Infrastructure and Logistics' at the Rising Northeast Investors' Summit 2025, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with the unwavering support of the Government of India, Assam has witnessed remarkable economic strides. Our Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has more than doubled from ?2.8 lakh crore in 2018 to Rs 5.7 lakh crore in 2024. This growth trajectory is a testament to the resilience and determination of our people," said Borah. In the same breathe, the Minister for Industries and Commerce said that infrastructure investments have surged from Rs 2 lakh crore to Rs 11 lakh crore, underscoring the nation's commitment to regional development. "Today, we stand at the cusp of a transformative journey - one that propels Assam from its rich cultural heritage to a dynamic economic future," he quipped. Projecting Assam as not just a land of natural beauty and diverse cultures but a rapidly emerging as a beacon of economic growth and opportunity, Borah said, "Our strategic location, with Guwahati serving as the gateway to the seven sister states, positions us uniquely to tap into the vast potential of Southeast Asia." Borah pointed out that Assam's export profile has witnessed a significant transformation with exports going up from Rs 2,474 crore in 2017-18 to Rs 3,664 crore in 2023-24, with key contributors being tea (55%), petroleum products (23%), and pharmaceuticals (5%). The Industries and Commerce Minister said the One District One Product (ODOP) initiatives have helped in identifying and promoting unique products from each district such as muga silk, tea, and handloom products thus enhancing local entrepreneurship and export potential. "In Assam, 29 unique ODOP products are identified across 35 districts. Geographical Indications (GIs) play a crucial role in protecting, promoting, and commercialising region-specific products. Assam, with 31 GI products showcase the State's rich cultural and artisanal legacy," he said, adding, "Assam's GI portfolio include remarkable handicrafts such as the iconic Jaapi headwear, skillfully crafted from bamboo and cane, the intricate Bell Metal Craft, producing unique utensils and decorative pieces and the Bihu Dhol, a rhythmic symbol of Assam's vibrant festivals. These GI-certified products serve as vital economic drivers, sustaining the livelihoods of artisans, weavers and farmers across the State." Borah said that Assam with its rich natural resources and strategic location holds significant export potential. "The State is renowned for its Assam tea, which is exported globally. Additionally, Assam's abundant agricultural produce, including spices, fruits, and medicinal plants, offers considerable opportunities for export. Its proximity to ASEAN countries further enhances its potential as a key player in cross-border trade." He said that the State Government, in an ambitious bid to diversify its manufacturing and export portfolio, is aggressively promoting high-potential sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, and renewable energy. "The Tata OSAT semiconductor plant at Jagiroad, a significant milestone in itself, positions Assam as a key player in the global semiconductor industry. This facility not only enhances Assam's manufacturing capabilities but also sets the stage for exponential growth in exports," he said. Borah said that the State Government in order to sustain and accelerate growth is enhancing trade infrastructure at key border points like Sutarkandi, Golokganj, Mankachar (Bangladesh), and Darranga (Bhutan) to facilitate smoother cross-border trade and deeper integration with its neighbours. He said the Jogighopa Multi-Modal Logistics Park, India's first international MMLP, spread over 317 acres along the Brahmaputra, will integrate road, rail, air, and waterway connectivity. "This state-of-the-art facility will handle 13 million metric tons annually, reduce logistics costs by 10%, and generate approximately 20 lakh direct and indirect jobs," he said. While appealing to the industry captains and investors to invest in Assam, Minister Borah said, "The Northeast holds a pivotal role in shaping a developed Bharat. With the collective efforts of the Government of Assam, the Government of India, and our industrious citizens, we are poised to elevate Assam's economic landscape to unprecedented heights."
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Centre to invest additional Rs 1,000 cr in Inland Waterways projects in Assam, Northeast
The Centre will invest an additional Rs 1,000 crore in Inland Waterways projects in Assam and the Northeast in 2026, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Monday. The Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Minister on Monday reviewed the ongoing projects in Assam and the Northeast with senior officials from the ministry, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Public Works Department (PWD), Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). Sonowal said the government has undertaken projects worth Rs 1,000 crore for NER in the last two years, with Rs 300 crore work completed, and works worth Rs 700 crore slated for completion by 2025. He also directed officials to hone talent from Assam and the Northeast with Advanced Maritime Skillsets to suit industry needs. The government is actively developing key infrastructure projects along NW2 (Brahmaputra) and NW16 (Barak), including the construction of passenger vessels of various capacities, terminal facilities, and capacity-building initiatives. Live Events The minister also reviewed progress on the proposed Inland Water Transport (IWT) project at Doyang Lake, and assessed the potential of Noune and Shilloi lakes in Nagaland for water sports and tourism. Feasibility studies for Inland Water Transport (IWT) development on the Tiawng and Chhimtuipui rivers in Mizoram, as well as on Umiam Lake and the Ummgot River (NW106) in Meghalaya, were also reviewed. On Barak River (NW16), Sonowal reaffirmed that survey and dredging equipment, and floating terminals at Karimganj and Badarpur projects reflect the central government's commitment to making the Northeast a hub of India's maritime future.
