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    Vessels navigate the Puget Sound under towering cranes at the Northwest Seaport Alliance docks reflecting in the calm water

    Northwest Seaport Alliance

    Washington
    West Coast

    Overview

    The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) is a pioneering marine cargo partnership between the ports of Seattle and Tacoma in Washington state, established in 2014 to unify operations and enhance competitiveness. Forming the fourth-largest container gateway in the United States, the NWSA is a critical economic engine, facilitating over $73 billion in international trade and supporting more than 48,000 jobs. The alliance enables efficient cargo movement between Asia and North America, benefitting from naturally deep-water harbors and proximity to Pacific trade routes. NWSA is especially significant for its role in handling the bulk of trade between Alaska, Hawaii, and the continental U.S., moving about 80% of Alaska's goods. Committed to sustainable growth, the alliance implements green technologies, renewable energy initiatives, and habitat restoration projects, while earning recognition in environmental programs like Green Marine. Continuous modernization of facilities, including upgrades to Terminal 5, ensures the NWSA remains a leader in safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible cargo handling.

    Facilities

    • Terminal 5 (Seattle)
    • Terminal 30 (Seattle)
    • West Sitcum Terminal (Tacoma)
    • Husky Terminal (Tacoma)
    • Pier 7 (Tacoma)
    • Blair Terminal (Tacoma)
    • TOTE Terminal (Tacoma)
    • SSA Marine Terminals (multiple)
    • Matson Terminal (Tacoma)

    Operating Hours

    Generally 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday; extended hours and weekend operations available for select terminals depending on cargo volume and shipping schedules.

    Shipping Lines

    Major carriers serving this port

    1
    Maersk
    2
    MSC
    3
    CMA CGM
    4
    COSCO Shipping
    5
    Hapag-Lloyd
    6
    Matson
    7
    OOCL
    8
    HMM
    9
    ONE (Ocean Network Express)

    Tools & Resources

    Essential tools, portals, and resources for clients and partners.

    Data & Reports

    Official statistics, research reports, and data tracking for Northwest Seaport Alliance.

    Location & Maps

    Find Northwest Seaport Alliance on popular mapping services.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common inquiries about operations and logistics at Northwest Seaport Alliance.

    What is the process and how long does customs clearance take for import cargo through US seaports?

    Typical import flow is vessel arrival, berth assignment, container discharge, customs review, release, dray pickup, and final delivery. Standard clearance may be same day to several days depending on documentation and exams.

    What is the process and how long does export cargo take through US seaports?

    Typical export flow is inland dray to terminal, terminal gate-in, documentation and filing, vessel loading, and departure. Timing depends on cutoff windows, bookings, inspections, and vessel schedule.

    For More Info

    Third-party resources, government portals, ratings, and more.

    Container being moved

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