THE NORTHWEST SEAPORT ALLIANCE HIGHLIGHTS TRANSPACIFIC GATEWAY ADVANTAGES AND INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS AT NOVEMBER 4 EXECUTIVE ROUNDTABLE IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Titled “Seattle-Tacoma: Where Supply Chains Converge,” the event will highlight the NWSA’s position as a leading North American gateway for Transpacific trade, supported by strategic infrastructure investments, direct intermodal rail connectivity, and continued advancements in sustainable port operations.

With more than 90% of its container volume linked to Asian markets, the NWSA serves as a critical connection between major Asian manufacturing centers - including Vietnam, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand - and businesses and consumers across the United States.

The November 4 roundtable will provide a platform for Vietnamese businesses and U.S. port leaders to discuss evolving trade dynamics, supply chain resilience, cargo movement efficiency, and opportunities to strengthen commercial connections between Vietnam and the Pacific Northwest.

A Competitive Gateway for Transpacific Trade

The NWSA continues to invest in terminal infrastructure and operational capabilities to improve reliability, accommodate larger vessels, and support the evolving needs of global shippers.

Big-Ship Readiness and Terminal Modernization

In Seattle Harbor, Terminal 5 has undergone more than $300 million in facility upgrades, featuring deep-water berths, on-dock rail access, and four Super Post-Panamax cranes designed to serve ultra-large container vessels.

In Tacoma Harbor, the $295 million Tacoma Harbor Navigation Improvement Project is deepening the Blair Waterway from 51 to 57 feet to accommodate larger container ships. The NWSA is also working on a new berth development at East Blair Waterway, supporting long-term terminal capacity in the Pacific Northwest.

At Husky Terminal, a $54 million expansion project has enhanced yard operations and refrigerated container capacity, supporting the efficient handling of diverse cargo requirements.

Direct Rail Connectivity and Inland Distribution

The Seattle-Tacoma gateway offers direct on-dock rail connections through Class I rail partners BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad, enabling cargo to move efficiently from vessels to inland distribution centers and major consumer markets across the United States, including the Midwest.

More than 100 specialized warehouse and transload facilities operate within 15 miles of NWSA terminals, providing shippers with flexible cargo transfer, distribution, and inventory management options.

Advancing Sustainable Port Operations

Environmental stewardship remains a key component of the NWSA’s long-term strategy. Guided by the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, the alliance is advancing initiatives to reduce maritime emissions and support cleaner freight transportation.

Shore power is operational at Terminal 5 and Husky Terminal, allowing compatible vessels to connect to electrical power while at berth and reduce emissions from onboard auxiliary engines. Additional shore power installations are planned or underway at other terminal locations.

The NWSA is also supporting zero-emission drayage trucking through its Zero-Emission Drayage Incentive Program (ZEDIP), which aims to accelerate the adoption of electric heavy-duty trucks and charging infrastructure in the region.

Diverse Cargo Capabilities

Beyond containerized trade, the NWSA supports a broad range of cargo sectors, including agricultural exports, automobiles, breakbulk, project cargo, and heavy-lift equipment.

Its role as a Pacific Northwest agricultural export gateway includes the handling of hay, forage, frozen potato products, paperboard, and grains. These capabilities provide Vietnamese importers and exporters with access to a diversified logistics network serving multiple industries.

November 4 Executive Roundtable: Connecting Vietnam and the Pacific Northwest

The upcoming Ho Chi Minh City event will bring together NWSA leadership and invited business representatives to explore how the Seattle-Tacoma gateway can support trade growth, strengthen supply chain resilience, and create new commercial opportunities between Vietnam and the United States.

The program will feature presentations on the NWSA gateway’s competitive advantages, executive discussions on Transpacific shipping and logistics, and networking opportunities for participating business leaders.

Event Details

• Event: Seattle-Tacoma: Where Supply Chains Converge

• Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Featured Speakers and Participants

• Ms. Christine Kelley — Principal Commercial Officer, U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City

• Mr. Dick Marzano — NWSA Managing Member Co-Chair and Port of Tacoma Commissioner

• Mr. Sam Cho — NWSA Managing Member and Port of Seattle CommissionerMr. John Wolfe — Chief Executive Officer, The Northwest Seaport Alliance

• Ms. Tong Zhu — Chief Commercial & Strategy Officer, The Northwest Seaport Alliance

• Mr. Don Esterbrook — Deputy CEO, The Northwest Seaport Alliance

Executive Commentary

“At The Northwest Seaport Alliance, our mission is to deliver best-in-class operational capabilities while setting the standard for environmental stewardship,” said NWSA Chief Executive Officer John Wolfe. “Through major terminal investments, direct intermodal rail connections, and advancements in cleaner port operations, we offer global trade partners a reliable and competitive gateway that keeps cargo moving across the Pacific.”

The November 4 executive roundtable reinforces the NWSA’s commitment to engaging directly with Vietnamese businesses and logistics stakeholders, building stronger commercial relationships, and supporting efficient, resilient trade between Vietnam and the United States.

About The Northwest Seaport Alliance

The Northwest Seaport Alliance is a marine cargo operating partnership of the Port of Seattle and the Port of Tacoma. As a major North American gateway for Transpacific trade, the NWSA manages container, breakbulk, automobile, and bulk cargo terminals across Seattle and Tacoma harbors, connecting international markets with businesses and consumers throughout the United States.

Media & Organizational Contact:

• Organization: The Northwest Seaport Alliance Vietnam Representative

• Website: nwseaportalliance.com

• Phone: (+84) 902 32 7978

• Email: [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]