Abstract: The invention relates to a cargo unit having a rectangular bottom flat (2) provided with ends (3), the upper corners of the ends and respectively the lower surface of the flat having gripping and guide members (8, 8') for the stacking of the cargo units one on top of another and for the automatic transfer of the cargo unit. The cargo unit has several intermediate flats (1) having a length approximately the same as the mutual distance of the ends (3) and a width at maximum that of the flat (2), and fastening members (5) for fastening the intermediate flats (1) at desired heights one above another, and possibly adjacently, to bear on the ends (3).

Abstract: In a cargo ship the upper edge (8) of its lateral loading opening (3) is at a higher level than the rails (4) of an overhead crane (5) in its cargo space (2), an intermediate cargo deck being divided into two sections (6, 7). The elevator section (6), farther from the opening (3), can be lowered to a lower level than the overhead crane (5) by at least the height of a cargo unit (9) and a rail section (4') located above the ramp section can be moved away from the opening. The invention is especially applicable to small ships not having an active stabilization system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ship having at least one side port for loading and unloading. The main deck of the ship, which does not have any cargo hatches, supports a rectangular superstructure, the top ceiling of which supports a rail system for an overhead crane moving in the longitudinal direction of the ship, the side port being hinged at its lower end and forming a ramp which is connected to an intermediate cargo deck that moves up and down so that the ramp and the intermediate cargo deck can be aligned horizontally with the quay irrespective of the height of the quay, in which case the mixed cargo compiled into large uniform cargo units can be moved by a tractor-trailer into the ship for final positioning by the overhead crane.