JNPA and RSA Global to develop empty container yard near Nhava Sheva

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has signed a licence agreement with RSA Global to develop an empty container yard (ECY) near Nhava Sheva. The facility will be built within JNPA premises and is located about 3 km from the terminals.

The upcoming ECY will be developed on 62 acres under a 30-year lease. JNPA said the facility will support the management of empty containers and provide services for shipping lines, transporters and the wider trade community.

The yard will be developed in phases. Phase I, covering about 20 acres, is expected to become operational within 15–20 days and will support storage and core yard operations. Phase II will add another 20 acres by January 2027, while the remaining 21.7 acres will be completed under Phase III by May 2027.

JNPA said the facility will provide services across the empty container lifecycle, including 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 able to handle dry containers, reefer containers, ISO tanks, out-of-gauge and project cargo equipment, and collapsible containers.

The project will introduce automation and technology in phases. These include gate automation, AI-enabled CCTV surveillance, a Yard Management System, an intelligent bay allocation system, driver utility facilities, and ‘Container Eye’ for maintenance and repair processes.

JNPA said the facility is designed to improve turnaround time, asset utilisation and operational reliability. It will also operate round the clock and include renewable energy initiatives, waste management measures, and safety and security infrastructure.

With the development of the ECY, JNPA said it is expanding its logistics ecosystem beyond the port gates to support the wider trade community.