APSEZ, empty-yard operators reach breakthrough at Mundra, depot codes restored

A significant development has emerged in the ongoing dispute over empty-container handling at Mundra Port, with Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) restoring the empty depot codes of yard operators that had been frozen earlier this month.

The breakthrough follows discussions between the Mundra Empty Container Yards & Allied Services Provider Association (MECYASA) and senior APSEZ representatives, resulting in an understanding aimed at resolving the differences over the handling and movement of empty containers.

APSEZ is also expected to formally withdraw its earlier decision concerning the freezing of depot codes of empty-container yards operating outside the port premises, thereby enabling these facilities to resume their role in the container logistics chain.

Dispute triggered by change in empty-container routing

The dispute originated following APSEZ’s decision to introduce a revised system for handling empty containers at Mundra. The measure, which took effect on September 1, froze empty-yard codes outside the port limits and required shipping lines to nominate empty containers only to designated yards within the Mundra special economic zone. APSEZ said the change was intended to address misuse of depot codes, tighten security, ease congestion and improve truck turnaround times. In protest, empty-container yard operators under MECYASA had suspended services from August 28, a move that was joined by around 1,500 container transporters, leading to a standoff that held up an estimated 5,000 containers a day at the peak of the disruption.

Wider impact on Mundra’s container ecosystem

The latest understanding between APSEZ and MECYASA is expected to provide greater clarity to shipping lines, depot operators, transporters and cargo stakeholders, while restoring predictability to empty-container movements around Mundra.

With the depot codes being restored and a new commercial mechanism emerging from the discussions, industry stakeholders are now expected to focus on implementing the agreed arrangement and ensuring that empty-container operations return to normal.

The resolution also highlights the importance of coordination among port operators, shipping lines, container depots and transporters in maintaining an efficient container logistics ecosystem, particularly at a gateway as significant as Mundra, which handled around 8.5 million TEUs during the 2025-26 financial year.