Two bids submitted for Port of Los Angeles cruise RFPTwo bids submitted for Port of Los Angeles cruise RFP

The Port of Los Angeles confirmed receiving two proposals to build and operate a new Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal and redevelop and operate the aging World Cruise Center.

SSA and GPH?

Sources told Seatrade Cruise News SSA Marine and Global Ports Holding were the two, but the Port of Los Angeles did not confirm that and said it will not be commenting further on the RFP submissions.

A GPH source in North America said: 'We do not have any information to share on this,' and SSA Marine did not respond to requests for comment.

GPH established its first North American concession outside of the Caribbean in 2022 when it reached a concession deal with the Prince Rupert Port Authority in British Columbia.

Seattle-based SSA Marine has signaled its interest in being a financial partner in cruise-related infrastructure, including helping expand existing homeport operations, and in being involved in cruising's future in Los Angeles.

The deadline for the RFP was Dec. 9.

Carnival Corp. did not participate

In 2023, when the draft RFP came out, hometown line Princess Cruises and then-President John Padgett indicated interest in participating.

However, that did not transpire.

'Carnival Corporation decided not to participate in the submission of a proposal but remains committed to continuing its almost 60-year history of sailing from Los Angeles,' a company spokesperson told Seatrade Cruise News this week.

Related:Port of Los Angeles issues RFP for cruise terminals (updated)

'It's a big, complex project and ultimately we just couldn’t make it work.'

Royal Caribbean backing SSA bid

Earlier this year Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley said Royal Caribbean Group planned to take part with other cruise companies in the RFP.

The company did not do that in the end but is supporting SSA's bid, Seatrade Cruise News was told.

The Port of Los Angeles handled a record 1.32m cruise passengers in 2023.