Shipping lines yesterday slammed allegations they were operating as a cartel as a simmering industry dispute over rising fees went before a Legislative Council panel.
After hearing the arguments, the panel ordered lines and shippers to improve communications between themselves to settle the dispute.
But communications between the two sides were strained at the meeting as they put forward their case.
Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association chairman Neil Russell said claims of monopolistic tendencies by lines had been made 'without a shred of evidence'.
He rejected criticism from shippers and industrialists over rising terminal handling charges (THCs) and denied lines had a monopoly.
'THCs are not monopolistic and the actual collection of the THC charges was up to individual shipping lines and their customers,' Mr Russell said.
