At a first directions hearing at the Federal Court in Victoria on Friday, February 2021 was set as a tentative trial date.

The ACCC instigated court proceedings against TasPorts in late 2019 for alleged misconduct under the amended misuse of market power provision.

It is alleged TasPorts sought to stop a new entrant Engage Marine from effectively competing with TasPorts' marine pilotage and towage businesses, with the purpose, effect and likely effect of substantially lessening competition.

In a statement on Friday, TasPorts said it denied the ACCC's allegations and intended to vigorously defend the proceedings.

"TasPorts has engaged external legal representation in Matthew Lees, a partner in Arnold Bloch Leibler's competition practice, and senior counsel in Rowena Orr QC," the statement said.

"The issues raised by the ACCC are complex, based on unique situations. They involve a law that has not yet been tested."

The statement said TasPorts took all its legal and regulatory responsibilities very seriously and it remained focused on the efficient and safe operation of the state's ports in the interest of all Tasmanians.

Labor infrastructure spokesman Shane Broad called on Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson to explain how a Tasmanian government business has ended up on the wrong side of legal proceedings alleging anti-competitive behaviour.

"The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is not a radical body, it's a very conservative group, and for them to take this action is significant," Dr Broad said.

"Given the behaviour in question dates back to 2017, Michael Ferguson has questions to answer in terms of what he knew, when he knew, and what steps he's taken to satisfy himself that TasPorts was acting appropriately.

"It's deeply disappointing that a Tasmanian government business will be the test case for Australia's amended misuse of market power provision."

The government declined to comment.