Abstract: A modified marine vessel system including a marine vessel configured to carry and transport marine freight in an ocean environment, and at least one engine module carried on the marine vessel. The engine module includes an engine housed inside a marine freight container. The system further includes a propeller and a power coupling operably connecting the engine and the propeller such that the propeller is rotatably drivable by the engine, wherein the power coupling does not extend through a hull of the marine vessel.

Abstract: A modified marine vessel system including a marine vessel configured to carry and transport marine freight in an ocean environment, and at least one engine module carried on the marine vessel. The engine module includes an engine housed inside a marine freight container. The system further includes a propeller and a power coupling operably connecting the engine and the propeller such that the propeller is rotatably drivable by the engine, wherein the power coupling does not extend through a hull of the marine vessel.

Abstract: A container transportation system including a plurality of containers configured to contain and protect freight in a marine environment and a vehicle configured to individually lift and transport each container and orient and place each container on a support surface. The system further includes a marine vessel having a deck with sufficient strength to support the vehicle when the vehicle is transporting a fully loaded one of the containers. The system also includes a ramp shaped to extend from an associated dock to the deck and having sufficient strength to support the vehicle when the vehicle is transporting a fully loaded one of the containers. The ramp has sufficient length such that an angle of inclination of the ramp suspended between the deck and the associated dock allows the vehicle to traverse the ramp without slipping.

Abstract: A container transportation system and method which includes a number of enclosed containers adapted to contain freight and protect the freight in a marine environment, a vehicle adapted to lift, transport, orient and place the containers on a support surface, a marine vessel having a container storage deck with sufficient strength to support the vehicle when the vehicle is transporting a fully loaded one of the containers, and a ramp shaped to extend from an associated dock to the deck and having sufficient strength to support the vehicle when the vehicle is transporting a fully loaded one of the containers, and having sufficient strength such that an angle of inclination of the ramp suspended between the deck and an associated dock allows the vehicle to traverse the ramp without slipping. The vehicle engages a single one of the containers on the associated dock, then proceeds to transport the container over the ramp to desired, predetermined locations on the deck for transportation by the marine vessel.

Abstract: A method for transporting vehicles including the steps of providing a module shaped and sized to receive vehicles therein and providing a trailer chassis coupled to a tractor. The tractor and the trailer chassis are located on or adjacent to an external surface. The method further includes the step of locating the module on a trailer chassis, and driving the vehicles from the external surface into the module.

Abstract: A module for receiving motorized vehicles for transportation. The module includes a driver-side side wall, a passenger-side side wall parallel to and laterally spaced from the driver-side side wall, and a bottom support structure extending between the side walls for supporting at least one vehicle located thereon. The module further includes a roof spaced from the bottom support structure such that the roof and the bottom support structure are arranged to closely receive a single layer of vehicles therebetween.

Abstract: A module for receiving motorized vehicles for transportation. The module includes a driver-side side wall, a passenger-side side wall parallel to and laterally spaced from the driver-side side Wall, and a bottom support structure extending between the side walls for supporting at least one vehicle located thereon. The module further includes a roof spaced from the bottom support structure such that the roof and the bottom support structure are arranged to closely receive a single layer of vehicles therebetween.

Abstract: A module for receiving motorized vehicles for transportation. The module includes a driver-side side wall, a passenger-side side wall parallel to and laterally spaced from the driver-side side wall, and a bottom support structure extending between the side walls for supporting at least one vehicle located thereon. The module further includes a roof spaced from the bottom support structure such that the roof and the bottom support structure are arranged to closely receive a single layer of vehicles therebetween.