By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM| Mumbai, July 09, 2026:In a significant move to strengthen India’s container logistics ecosystem, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India’s largest container port, has entered into a License Agreement with RSA Global for the development of a state-of-the-art Empty Container Yard (ECY) within the port premises near Nhava Sheva.

The ambitious facility is set to become a key logistics asset, offering shipping lines, transporters and the trade community a world-class platform for efficient empty container management. Strategically located just 3 km from the container terminals at Nhava Sheva, the facility will enhance operational efficiency, reduce turnaround time and improve container asset utilisation.

Spread across 62 acres and developed on a 30-year lease, the JNPA-authorised Empty Container Yard will be equipped with advanced infrastructure, automation solutions and sustainable practices. The facility is designed to address the growing requirements of maritime logistics by providing seamless management of empty containers and strengthening coordination among stakeholders across the supply chain.

The ECY will offer an integrated range of services covering the entire lifecycle of empty containers, including storage, maintenance and repair, inspection, compliance services and repositioning. It will enable shipping lines to optimise equipment management while facilitating smoother coordination between ports, terminals, Container Freight Stations (CFSs), Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Free Trade Warehousing Zones (FTWZs) and transport operators.

The project will be implemented in a phased manner to ensure early operationalisation and gradual expansion of capacity. Phase I, covering around 20 acres, is expected to become operational within 15–20 days, enabling storage and core yard operations. Phase II will add another 20 acres by January 2027, while the final Phase III, covering the remaining 21.7 acres, is scheduled for completion by May 2027.

Technology will remain at the core of the facility’s development. The ECY will incorporate advanced systems such as gate automation, AI-enabled CCTV surveillance, Yard Management System (YMS), intelligent bay allocation system, driver utility facilities and ‘Container Eye’ technology for automated maintenance and repair processes. These initiatives will provide enhanced visibility, faster decision-making and improved operational control.

The facility will provide comprehensive services including empty container storage, Maintenance & Repair (M&R), Pre-Trip Inspection (PTI), container survey and inspection, SOLAS weighment compliance, repositioning transportation, container fabrication and modification, and CFS transfers.

Designed to handle diverse equipment categories, the ECY will cater to dry containers, reefer containers, ISO tanks, Out-of-Gauge (OOG) and project cargo equipment, as well as collapsible containers. Integration of advanced automation technologies, including ASRS, EOTS, OCRS and integrated IT systems, will further enhance efficiency and reliability.

Operating 24×7, the facility will support uninterrupted container movement and provide a dependable logistics solution for India’s growing EXIM trade. A strong focus on Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Quality (HSSEQ) will guide operations, with provisions for renewable energy adoption, green initiatives, waste management and robust safety infrastructure.

The development of this Empty Container Yard marks another milestone in JNPA’s journey towards creating a comprehensive logistics ecosystem beyond the port gates. By improving connectivity, reducing logistics bottlenecks and enabling smarter container management, JNPA continues to reinforce its role as a key driver of India’s maritime growth and trade competitiveness.

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