Port of LA wharf restoration complete

The project, approved in September 2023 and launched in November, included 382 linear feet (116 metres) of new concrete wharf, slope erosion repairs and bollard upgrades.

The upgraded wharf, designed to meet the port’s stringent seismic code, replaces a timber wharf severely damaged by fire in 2014. The new structure ensures long-term durability for steel-handling operations, which continued uninterrupted during the construction phase.

“The completion of this project on the heels of the catastrophic Eaton and Palisades fires is a stark reminder of the need to rebuild with long-term resiliency as a top priority,” said Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles. “We’re proud to deliver this key infrastructure project.”

Deputy executive director of development Dina Aryan-Zahlan emphasised the importance of proactive design. “Designing and building infrastructure with fire prevention in mind is critical to our operations,” she said.

“This port is more than 100 years old. Terminal modernisation is essential to maintain our competitive edge.”

The facility supports terminal operator Pasha Stevedoring & Terminals, which handles steel products such as wire rods, rebar and tubing at its 40-acre (16.2 ha) terminal. The site includes 116,000 square feet (10,777 sqm) of on-dock warehouse space and remains the West Coast’s largest steel-handling port.

The project was completed by Reyes/Larison Joint Venture of Pomona, California.

With 10.3 million containers handled and US$333 billion in trade in 2024, the Port of Los Angeles maintains its position as North America’s leading trade gateway and the top US container port for the 25th consecutive year.