Abstract: The invention relates to a cargo container storage and retrieval system and method. One embodiment of a system according to the present invention includes a vessel having cargo hold with a plurality of bulkheads disposed along a width of the cargo hold to define a plurality of adjacent cells along a length of the cargo hold. The cargo hold is also equipped with a plurality of tiers along a depth of the cargo hold. The vessel also includes a deck having a plurality of hatch openings that are used to gain access to the cargo hold. In addition, the vessel includes a storage and retrieval system having a plurality of sets of parallel spaced tracks and a plurality of chassis seats disposed within each set of parallel space tracks.