The busiest seaport in the Western Hemisphere, the Port of Los Angeles is planning to construct a brand new cruise terminal and redevelop the existing Inner Harbor Cruise Terminal for $600m.
This cruise development initiative comes after the post-COVID cruise industry rebound. For instance, there were 229 cruise ship calls in 2022, the most since 2008. The new projections show that the Port of Los Angeles will have about 250 cruise calls by 2025 with larger ships that need to accommodate more passengers.
Port of Los Angeles Executive Director, Gene Seroka says “This cruise development initiative is critical to our business, our community and the LA Waterfront, and we want to make sure it’s done right”.
She also adds in the statement that “each cruise ship that calls the Port of Los Angeles generates more than $1 million into the local economy, so it’s important that we maximize our opportunities to bring more visitors and revenue into the community.”
Port of Los Angeles New Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal
The planned project includes the development of a new Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal at Berths 45-51. These six berths are spread across 13 acres of backland. With magnificent views of Catalina Island, the site is also home to two wharves and 14 acres of off-site parking.
Port of Los Angeles spokesman, Phillip Sanfield explains how the existing port has only two functional berths for larger cruise vessels but adds that only one of the berths can accommodate ships with 4,000-plus passenger capacity.
“The proposed project would initially add one more berth for a total of two berths able to accommodate 4,000-plus passenger ships”.
“Longer term, the project can accommodate four berths capable of handling four 4,000-plus passenger ships simultaneously.”
“The site for the proposed cruise terminal has two existing berths with the capacity for berth length expansion and an undeveloped land site ready for passenger terminal development”, Phillip Sanfield says.
Redevelopment of the Existing World Cruise Center
The Port of Los Angeles also plans to redevelop the Inner Harbor Cruise Terminal (World Cruise Center) under the RFP scope. Situated on 22 acres of land, the facility boasts a baggage handling structure, 2 terminal buildings, and two cruise berths.
Michael Galvin, Director of Waterfront and Commercial Real Estate at the Port of Los Angeles says
“Issuing a draft RFP for input allows us to leverage the expertise and creativity of prospective proposers, as well as get important feedback from businesses, the local community, and the public”
He also adds “This collaborative approach gives us the best opportunity for success.”
About The Port of Los Angeles
- Location/Headquarters: San Pedro, Los Angeles
- Port Type: Deepwater Seaport
- Industries: Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain, and Storage
- Opened: December 9, 1907
- Executive Director: Gene Seroka
- Passenger traffic: 650,010 passengers (CY 2019)
- Website: www.portoflosangeles.org
