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August 27, 2025 The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) is excited to welcome Emirates Shipping Lines (ESL) to the gateway for their inaugural service to the U.S. market. The arrival of the M/V Bright on August 16th represents the ESL's expansion to the U.S. and continuation of the popular Sun Chief Express (SCX) service, a service in partnership with UWL and the fastest from Vietnam and South China to the US available, with a transit time of just 18 and 15 days respectively. Founded in 2006, ESL operates an annual capacity of around 700,000 TEUs and calls 60 terminals weekly. Celebrating the successful first sailing of M/V Bright on the service, ESL Chief Executive Officer, Till Ole Barrelet said, "With facilitating regional trade growth being a key driver behind our network coverage enhancements, the launch of SCX marks a significant milestone for us, and we are committed to continually strengthening our strategic position in Southeast Asia, while providing direct links to the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, China and now, the U.S." SCX provides an expedited service from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam and Shekou, China, to the U.S., while offering expanded service coverage to other emerging markets across Southeast Asia. The fastest service between Vietnam, South China and the U.S., it also provides wider coverage of Southeast Asia through intermodal connections to these two ports. The service has proved to be highly reliable and is one of the most on-schedule and timely in the gateway, having received recognition in 2024. "We are proud to be recognized as one of the most efficient and business-friendly U.S. gateways. Our strong connectivity across the nation, combined with our commitment to innovation and best-in-class service, makes the Northwest Seaport Alliance both a welcoming entry point to the U.S. economy and a trusted partner for global shipping lines," said NWSA Managing Member and Port of Seattle Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed. "At the NWSA we are dedicated to growth while maintaining a standard of excellence. Welcoming new partners while maintaining key services is just one example how we manage that thoughtful balance" said NWSA Co-Chair and Port of Tacoma Commission President John McCarthy. The broad intermodal connections from the NWSA gateway to inland U.S. markets means the SCX further connects to cities across the country from Portland to Chicago, and beyond. It also brings exports from these markets back to Vietnam, China, and other Southeast Asian markets, offering premium refrigerated services, sending high-demand agricultural commodities to these markets from U.S. farms, including cherries, potatoes, and protein. 
ESL containers and the vessel while looking up from the terminal. Image by The Northwest Seaport Alliance. About The Northwest Seaport Alliance The Northwest Seaport Alliance is a marine cargo operating partnership of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma. Combined, the North and South harbors are a major North American gateway for containerized trade and the handling of non-containerized commodities (bulk, breakbulk, project/heavy-lift cargoes, and automobiles). The Northwest Seaport Alliance, press release 
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