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.