Horizon Lines Inc., the second largest shipper of goods to Hawaii, said it has been named as a defendant in a securities class action lawsuit filed on behalf of investors who bought the company's common stock from March 2, 2007 through April 25, 2008.

The complaint alleges, among other things, that Horizon Lines made material misstatements and omissions in connection with alleged price-fixing in the company's shipping business in Puerto Rico in violation of antitrust laws.

"The Company believes that it has appropriate disclosure practices and intends to vigorously defend against the lawsuit," Horizon said in a news release issued yesterday.

Horizon, based in Charlotte, N.C., is the nation's leading domestic ocean shipping and integrated logistics company. It owns or leases a fleet of 21 U.S.-flagged containerships and 5 port terminals linking the continental United States with Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Micronesia and Puerto Rico.