Controlled Return After a Three-Year Halt
CMA CGM, the French shipping giant and the world’s third-largest container line, has restarted limited services to Russia. The company withdrew from the market in 2022 following the Russia-Ukraine war. Its return focuses only on essential food shipments and follows growing demand from select customers.
Like many Western businesses, CMA CGM stopped all activities in Russia at the start of the war. It halted its shipping services and also sold its stakes in Russian port terminals. The company states that those decisions remain in effect.
In a statement, CMA CGM confirmed that its CNC subsidiary has resumed transporting food items such as citrus fruit and coffee to Russia. The group stressed that the operation is “very limited” and follows all international sanctions. CMA CGM did not share further operational details.
Cargo on Third-Party Vessels
French newspaper Ouest France reported that the company is not using its own vessels for this trade. Instead, it is booking space for its containers on ships operated by other lines. This allows the company to meet customer needs without redeploying its fleet.
CMA CGM now joins MSC, the Swiss-based carrier that has maintained restricted shipments to Russia throughout the conflict. MSC has limited its services to food, medical supplies and humanitarian goods, staying within the rules set by global sanctions.
The cautious return of CMA CGM reflects the ongoing demand for essential imports in Russia. It also highlights the careful balance shipping lines must manage between commercial operations and complex geopolitical restrictions.
