The following release was published by NWSA:
The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) welcomes the announcement by UWL and Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) that the Sun Chief Express service will transition from fortnightly to weekly sailings beginning in June 2026. This change will significantly enhance direct maritime connectivity between Vietnam and the NWSA gateway- offering industry-leading 18-day transit from Ho Chi Minh City as well as a 15-day transit from Shekou, China to Seattle.
In response to robust market growth in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, the upgraded weekly service will improve market access and provide shippers a faster, more predictable supply chain with greater schedule reliability, scalable capacity, and fixed-day departures.
Over the past several years, the NWSA has been engaged in targeted outreach to help deepen trade connections between the Pacific Northwest and Vietnam. This enhanced service will further strengthen this growing partnership and deliver meaningful benefits to both regions.
For our shipper customers, the weekly frequency strengthens access to rapidly growing Southeast Asia markets, supporting local importers with faster speed-to-shelf, and bolstering export opportunities for regional agricultural products.
For Vietnam, the reliable direct link to the Puget Sound region and inland U.S. locations facilitates efficient market access, reinforces supply chain resilience, and supports continued economic expansion.
“UWL and ESL’s decision to expand the Sun Chief Express to weekly sailings is a testament to the growing importance of Vietnam as a manufacturing hub and the strategic value of the NWSA gateway,” said NWSA Co-Chair and Port of Seattle Commission President Toshiko Hasegawa. “This enhanced service will deliver faster, more reliable connections that benefit importers and exporters across the Pacific Northwest.”
“Strong partnerships like the one with UWL and ESL are essential to maintaining the NWSA’s position as a premier West Coast gateway,” added NWSA Co-Chair and Port of Tacoma Commission President John McCarthy. “The increased frequency and capacity of this direct Vietnam service will drive greater trade volumes, support US exporters reaching Southeast Asia markets, and reinforce the mutual economic benefits of this vital trade lane.”
The NWSA extends its sincere appreciation to UWL and ESL for their longstanding partnership and commitment to the NWSA gateway. This investment in the weekly service, including the addition of three new vessels by ESL, underscores the strength of the Sun Chief Express.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance looks forward to continued collaboration with UWL and ESL to grow this service, explore other trade lanes and further strengthen trade ties between the Pacific Northwest and Vietnam and other markets in Asia.
Source: NWSA