A view of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), in Navi Mumbai.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has entered into a licence agreement with RSA Global to develop a state-of-the-art Empty Container Yard (ECY) within the port premises near Nhava Sheva, aimed at improving container management and strengthening the port’s logistics ecosystem.The upcoming facility, spread across 62 acres and planned on a 30-year lease, will be located just 3 km from JNPA’s container terminals. Designed with advanced infrastructure, automation and sustainability features, the authorised Empty Container Yard will provide shipping lines, transporters and trade stakeholders with an integrated solution for efficient empty container storage, maintenance and movement.The facility will support the complete lifecycle management of empty containers, enabling shipping lines to optimise equipment utilisation while improving coordination between ports, terminals, Container Freight Stations (CFSs), Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Free Trade Warehousing Zones (FTWZs) and transport operators. The project will be developed in three phases. Phase I, covering approximately 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 remaining 21.7 acres under Phase III is scheduled to be completed by May 2027, taking the total facility size to 62 acres.The ECY will introduce advanced technologies in phases, including gate automation, AI-enabled CCTV surveillance, a Yard Management System (YMS), intelligent bay allocation systems, driver utility facilities and ‘Container Eye’ technology for automated maintenance and repair processes.The facility will also integrate automation solutions such as Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), Electric Overhead Travelling Systems (EOTS), Optical Character Recognition Systems (OCRS) and integrated IT platforms to improve visibility, efficiency and operational control.The facility will provide a comprehensive range of services, including empty container storage, maintenance and repair, pre-trip inspection, container survey and inspection, SOLAS weighment compliance, repositioning transportation, container fabrication and modification, and CFS transfers. The yard will be equipped to handle multiple equipment categories, including dry containers, reefer containers, ISO tanks, out-of-gauge/project cargo equipment and collapsible containers. It will operate 24x7 to support uninterrupted logistics movement and improve turnaround times for maritime stakeholders.JNPA said the facility will also incorporate strong health, safety, environment and quality (HSSEQ) practices, including renewable energy initiatives, green infrastructure, waste management systems and enhanced safety and security measures. The development of the Empty Container Yard is part of JNPA’s broader effort to expand its logistics ecosystem beyond port gates and provide integrated infrastructure solutions to support India’s growing maritime trade.Published on July 9, 2026
