Five CMA CGM ships anchored off Marseille to mark the funeral of company founder Jacques Saade on Friday.
The French line said the death of the 81-year-old Lebanon-born businessman had "roused an emotional response within the group, in the entire maritime transportation industry and beyond."
All employees in Marseille were invited to attend at La Major Cathedral.
French minister for Europe and foreign affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, and transport minister Elisabeth Borne, were present, together with numerous local, national and international officials.
