A handyman said he had no idea there were seven Vietnamese migrants hiding in a secret compartment in his refrigerated van when he boarded a cross-Channel ferry.
The seven people were rescued after breaking a false wall and calling for help just before arriving at Newhaven Port on February 16.
Handyman Anas Al Mustafa, 42, denied people trafficking at a short hearing in Lewes Crown Court.
Speaking through an Arabic interpreter, Al Mustafa said: "No, not guilty. I didn't know anything about them."
The father-of-two, from Swansea, wore grey joggers and a sweatshirt in the dock.
Six migrants were taken to hospital after the Seven Sisters ferry docked at Newhaven.
One was said to be in a critical condition.
Her Honour Judge Christine Laing KC told Al Mustafa: "Having pleaded not guilty, there will be a trial in this case in front of a jury."
He will face trial on August 5.
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