French shipping giant CMA CGM is preparing to launch container services from India to Russia through its CNC Line subsidiary in January, reports New York's Journal of Commerce.

The French carrier is expected to use a group arm bill of lading system rather than its own contracts to reduce compliance risks linked to Western sanctions on Russia. CNC, acquired by CMA CGM in 2007, is a Singapore-based intra-Asia operator.

Space is likely to be allocated on CMA CGM's India-Europe "Epic" service for Russian cargo from Nhava Sheva and Mundra, with transshipment options over Hamburg. The company is also considering expanding its Finland Express service to include Saint Petersburg.

Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) remains the only mainline carrier offering Indian shipments to Russia, supported by feeder networks between North Europe and Russian ports. Secondary carrier Corten Shipping provides two fortnightly direct sailings from Nhava Sheva and Kandla with three 1,500-TEU ships.

Typical sanctioned trade cargo includes pharmaceuticals, food and agricultural products, with some construction materials carried by ad-hoc operators. Industry data estimates India-Russia volumes at 8,000 TEU weekly, with freight yields of $3,000 per TEU, $4,000 per FEU for dry cargo and $9,000 per FEU for reefers.

Analysts say Indian exporters hit by US tariffs are exploring Russian markets as part of trade diversification strategies.