Abstract: A cargo ship (10) is equipped with side port openings (34,35) for transporting freight (59) inwardly and outwardly from the ship. The ship (10) is equipped with an upper superstructure (25) in a continuous length above a fore-and-aft row of upwardly opening holds (11a-11f). The holds have maximum hatchways. There is defined in the superstructure a common, shielding transport compartment (33) for the holds which permits movement of a transport arrangement (36,37) with freight (58) fore-and-aft and transversely a distance above the holds and via a locally defined side port opening (34).

Abstract: A cargo ship is provided with transverse bulkheads to separate holds from each other. In addition, the bulkheads are arranged in pairs to define compartments therebetween in which flights of steps are arranged. Access openings are also provided in the transversely extending bulkheads to provide access to the steps at various levels. Each flight of steps is contained between two partitions which form a passage within the compartment. A hatch cover is provided at the top to gain access to the passage.