Key Aspects:
- The Port of Los Angeles is getting a brand new cruise terminal in the Outer Harbor.
- Carrix, Inc. and JLC Infrastructure will undertake this task as a joint venture.
- The existing World Cruise Center will also be redeveloped in the near future.
The Port of Los Angeles is making plans to build a bigger, smarter, and more sustainable future as the cruise industry flourishes.
With more growth on the horizon, and the port expected to feature in the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics, it’s time to improve infrastructure and expand. Plans are now underway to transform the port’s Outer Harbor into a new, state-of-the-art cruise center.
This task will be undertaken by Pacific Cruise Terminals, a joint venture between Carrix, Inc. and JLC Infrastructure. They will also be in charge of its operation once complete.
“Carrix is one of North America’s leading cruise terminal operators with a great track record developing large-scale infrastructure projects,” said Gene Seroka, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director.
This news is a long time coming, as the port first announced plans to refresh and expand its infrastructure and issued a request for proposals in the summer of 2024.
At this time, no target date has been set for the new terminal’s completion. However, we do know that it will be called the Harbor Cruise Terminal and Park when it finally does open.
Growth by the Numbers
2024 was a massive year for the San Pedro-based port, with the World Cruise Center welcoming a record-breaking 1.6 million passengers across 241 ship calls. Financially, this equates to around $1.3 million in revenue for the local economy.
Just to name a few, major brands like Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line have been quite active in the port. With more growth expected, and the rise of mega-ships continuing, the Port of Los Angeles needs the ability to welcome more and bigger vessels.
Read Also: Los Angeles Cruise Port – Terminals, Getting Around, What’s Nearby
Seroka also expects that the upgrades to the port will have an even greater positive economic impact on the surrounding community and will enhance the Los Angeles waterfront for tourists and residents alike.
What to Expect From the New Terminal
Renderings of the upcoming Harbor Cruise Terminal and Park reveal a state-of-the-art facility.
The terminal will be a modern, circular building with berths on either side that are able to accommodate the world’s biggest cruise ships.
The main building will look a bit like a donut, with the center serving as a grassy outdoor park that connects to outdoor steps that overlook the harbor.
The new terminal will also be completed with shore power capabilities, which is a greener alternative to traditional fuel sources. This aligns with the cruise port’s sustainability goals.
“It will be an investment in our workforce, sustainability, resilience and innovation—keeping us ready for the opportunities of tomorrow,” Seroka said.
Further speaking to this, recent reports show that the Los Angeles Cruise Port has achieved the lowest emissions ever on a per-TEU basis of any port in the world – and port authorities are only just getting started.
World Cruise Terminal Also Gets Revamped
It’s not just the new cruise terminal that is getting all the love.
The World Cruise Center will also be redeveloped by Pacific Cruise Terminals. The dedicated passenger terminal has been welcoming cruise guests since 1988, meaning it is very likely time for an upgrade.
“This new Outer Harbor cruise terminal and World Cruise Center redevelopment will allow us to capture more of the rapidly growing cruise business, while also establishing Los Angeles as the primary West Coast gateway for cruise operations,” Seroka asserted.
It’s unclear what this redevelopment actually entails, but the facilities currently consist of two terminal buildings, two cruise berths, and a baggage handling structure that is shared across multiple cruise lines.
And even without knowing all the details just yet, it’s clear that the future will be bright for the City of Angels.
