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Main Channel Deepening Project will allow the port to continue serving the world’s largest ocean carrier
The Port of Los Angeles has announced the completion of its 10-year US$370 million project to deepen the port’s main navigational channel and turning basins.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, together with officials from both the port and the US Army Corps of Engineers, were in attendance to mark the landmark occasion, which will allow the Port of Los Angeles to continue to accommodate bigger, more modern vessels from around the world.
“The Port of Los Angeles is a critical economic engine to the Los Angeles region,” said Mayor Villaraigosa.
“Completion of this project means that the port will remain competitive globally, and continue to be a strong source for jobs and regional revenue growth for years to come.”
The Main Channel Deepening Project involved the deepening of the port’s Main Channel, West Basin Channel and East Basin Channel from 45-feet to 53-feet.
During the course of the multi-year effort, the Corps generated and relocated 15 million cubic yards of dredge materials to various sites throughout the port.
Some of that material was used to construct the 104-acre Cabrillo Shallow Water Habitat, providing a replacement habitat and feeding area for fish and marine birds in the outer harbour.
“Completion of the Main Channel Deepening Project has been our single-most, important infrastructure project,” said port executive director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D.
“We’re grateful for the work of the US Army Corps of Engineers and everyone on the port team who helped bring this critical infrastructure priority to fruition.”
