Bridging tokens is the process of moving assets from one blockchain to another. When you bridge tokens between incompatible networks, they are "wrapped," meaning they are converted into a derivative token native to the destination blockchain. This allows you to transfer tokens from other blockchains onto Sui or move SUI tokens to other ecosystems.
The Sui Network supports bridging through integrations with established cross-chain protocols. This functionality is vital for expanding the liquidity and utility of assets within the Sui ecosystem, enabling users to leverage their holdings across a wider Web3 landscape.
Understanding Cross-Chain Bridges
At its core, a blockchain bridge acts as a connector, allowing value and information to flow between otherwise isolated networks. They use a variety of security models, including trusted federations and more decentralized light clients and relays, to ensure assets are locked on one chain and minted or released on another.
This process is fundamental for interoperability, letting users access different decentralized applications (dApps), investment opportunities, and services that may only exist on a specific chain without being forced to sell their original assets.
How Wormhole Connect Works on Sui
One primary method for bridging to Sui is through Wormhole Connect. It is designed to facilitate the transfer of tokens from any Wormhole-supported chain onto Sui. A significant user benefit is the option for gas fee abstraction, allowing users to cover transaction costs on the destination chain from their source chain wallet.
Developers can also integrate the Connect Token Bridge widget directly into their own websites and dApps, providing a seamless bridging experience for their users without them needing to leave the application.
Supported Assets on Wormhole Connect
Initially, Wormhole Connect supports a locked-and-minted bridge for major assets including ETH, WETH, USDC, MATIC, WMATIC, BNB, WBNB, AVAX, WAVAX, FTM, WFTM, CELO, GLMR, WGLMR, and SOL. These can be moved between Ethereum, Polygon, BSC, Avalanche, Celo, Moonbeam, Solana, and Sui.
It's important to understand that assets bridged via this method are received on the target chain as Wormhole-wrapped tokens. In some ecosystems, these Wormhole-minted tokens are considered the canonical representation of that asset. The official list of these tokens can be referenced on the Wormhole token list GitHub repository. Many of these wrapped tokens can be swapped on decentralized exchanges (DEXs) within the target chain for other assets you might need.
Automatic Gas Relay
A standout feature for users bridging from EVM-based chains (like Ethereum or Polygon) to Sui is the automatic relay system. This feature allows you to bridge assets while only paying the gas fee on the source chain. The protocol automatically covers the gas cost on your behalf on the Sui destination chain, simplifying the user experience significantly.
Gas Drop-Off Feature
The gas drop-off functionality enhances convenience further. It enables users to pay an additional fee on the source chain to receive a small amount of native gas currency on the target chain. For example, a user bridging USDC from Ethereum to Sui can pay a small extra fee in USDC from their sending wallet to receive a amount of SUI in their receiving wallet. This provides them with the necessary gas to perform subsequent transactions immediately upon arrival, without needing to acquire SUI separately. Currently, gas drop-off is supported between EVM-based chains and Sui.
For more detailed information, you can always 👉 explore the official bridge documentation for the latest updates.
Utilizing the Wormhole Portal Bridge
For a broader, user-facing bridging experience, the Portal Bridge powered by Wormhole is available. This interface supports bridging any asset from an extensive list of over 22 Wormhole-connected chains. It provides a straightforward UI for users to seamlessly move assets between Sui and a vast array of other ecosystems.
Official Token Address Reference
When bridging tokens, verifying the authenticity of the token contracts is a critical security step. Always confirm that the address you are interacting with matches the official token address on the Sui network. Below is a reference table for Wormhole-wrapped assets on Sui.
| Token | Sui Address |
|---|---|
| CELO | 0xa198f3be41cda8c07b3bf3fee02263526e535d682499806979a111e88a5a8d0f |
| WMATIC | 0xdbe380b13a6d0f5cdedd58de8f04625263f113b3f9db32b3e1983f49e2841676 |
| WBNB | 0xb848cce11ef3a8f62eccea6eb5b35a12c4c2b1ee1af7755d02d7bd6218e8226f |
| WETH | 0xaf8cd5edc19c4512f4259f0bee101a40d41ebed738ade5874359610ef8eeced5 |
| USDC | 0x5d4b302506645c37ff133b98c4b50a5ae14841659738d6d733d59d0d217a93bf |
| USDT | 0xc060006111016b8a020ad5b33834984a437aaa7d3c74c18e09a95d48aceab08c |
| WBTC | 0x027792d9fed7f9844eb4839566001bb6f6cb4804f66aa2da6fe1ee242d896881 |
| WAVAX | 0x1e8b532cca6569cab9f9b9ebc73f8c13885012ade714729aa3b450e0339ac766 |
| WFTM | 0x6081300950a4f1e2081580e919c210436a1bed49080502834950d31ee55a2396 |
| WGLMR | 0x66f87084e49c38f76502d17f87d17f943f183bb94117561eb573e075fdc5ff75 |
| WSOL | 0xb7844e289a8410e50fb3ca48d69eb9cf29e27d223ef90353fe1bd8e27ff8f3f8 |
| USDCsol | 0xb231fcda8bbddb31f2ef02e6161444aec64a514e2c89279584ac9806ce9cf037 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does 'wrapping' a token mean?
Wrapping is the process of creating a tokenized version of an asset on a blockchain where it isn't natively issued. A custodian (like a bridge protocol) locks the original asset on its source chain and mints a representative, or "wrapped," version on the destination chain. This new token is pegged 1:1 to the value of the original.
Why would I need to bridge assets to Sui?
Bridging assets to Sui allows you to use them within the Sui ecosystem. You might want to leverage Sui's high throughput and low latency for trading on its DEXs, providing liquidity, engaging with novel dApps, or simply holding your assets in a more efficient network.
Is bridging safe, and how can I ensure it?
While bridge technology is constantly improving, risks exist, such as smart contract bugs. To stay safe, only use well-known, audited bridges like Wormhole. Always double-check the recipient token contract addresses against official lists (like the one above) to avoid scam tokens, and start with a small test transaction.
What is the difference between Wormhole Connect and the Portal Bridge?
Wormhole Connect is often integrated directly into third-party dApps and websites for a seamless experience, offering features like gas relay. The Portal Bridge is a general-purpose user interface hosted by Wormhole itself, supporting a wider range of chains and assets for manual bridging operations.
Can I bridge any token to Sui?
Not automatically. A bridge must specifically support the token you wish to transfer. Initially, major assets like ETH, USDC, and SOL are supported. The list of supported assets is continually expanding, so check the official Wormhole documentation for the most current information.
What happens if my bridge transaction fails?
Transactions can fail due to network congestion or insufficient gas. However, reputable bridges like Wormhole have robust systems. If a validated transfer message is emitted from the source chain, the relayers will typically ensure it is delivered. If you encounter issues, you should 👉 check the official status page or contact the bridge's support channels for assistance. Your funds are generally safe if the initial lock transaction was successful.