The Port of Los Angeles (Port of LA) is seeking proposals from interested parties to participate in the pre-development of Pier 500, a proposed new stand-alone marine container terminal along the Pier 400 Channel.

The port said selected entity would enter into a public-private pre-development agreement with the port to scope the project's financial feasibility, procure entitlements and handle other requirements needed before implementation and build-out of the project.   

"For the first time in a generation, the Port of Los Angeles plans to build a new container terminal to meet global supply chain demand for decades into the future," said Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles.

"The development of the cleanest terminal possible would enhance our efficiency and sustainability while creating new jobs in our communities," he added.

 [Source: Port of Los Angeles]

As proposed, Pier 500 would be a 200-acre site with two new berths and approximately 3,000 linear feet of new available wharf.

Located in natural deep water on the southern tip of the Port's Terminal Island, the project site would greatly increase port cargo efficiency, as it would allow for bigger, next generation cargo ships.

The proposed Pier 500 site lies just south of Pier 400, currently the largest container terminal at the Port.

Port of LA noted that for decades, the port has remained forward-looking, exploring proposed plans to add cargo capacity as warranted by increased demand.

For this reason, the port has identified a submerged site of 124 acres, infrastructure that was added during the construction of the adjacent Pier 400 before it was completed in 2002. The proposed Pier 500 project would allow the port to leverage this existing asset. 

The pre-development process will include all necessary environmental assessments as required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The entire proposed Pier 500 project—from pre-development, entitlement procurement, and environmental review to full build-out and operation—is expected to take approximately 10 years. 

Port of LA is a major trade gateway in North America. In 2024, the port generated US$333 billion in trade and handled a total of 10.3 million container units, sustaining its top rank among U.S. ports.