Matson and Horizon Lines are fighting a federal lawsuit over allegations that they defrauded the US government by levying impermissible fuel charges in military transport contracts.
The lawsuit, filed by a whistle-blower on behalf of the government, is continuing its march towards a trial even though US Justice Department lawyers have declined to intervene against the US-flag containership owners.
Recently, district judge Percy Anderson rejected a request by Horizon Lines to dismiss the lawsuit, setting an October 2014 trial date.
