Lift On, Lift Off (LOLO)
Unlike other vessels that rely on external equipment for cargo handling, lift on, lift off (LOLO) ships are equipped with their own integrated cranes. This method is particularly useful for handling breakbulk cargo, heavy machinery, and oversized items that cannot be easily managed with the usual Roll On, Roll Off (RORO) method — where cargo is driven onto and off the vessel.
LOLO’s ability to load and unload independently speeds up the shipping process while streamlining operations. This flexibility is crucial for ports with limited facilities or when specialized equipment is not readily available. For example, LOLO ships often use various types of cranes, such as jib cranes, which can rotate up to 360 degrees.
Although LOLO can be more expensive and time-consuming compared to other methods, it offers the advantage of self-managed loading and unloading operations. As the cargo is lifted on and off the ship using cranes, the loading of goods is controlled and precise, which mitigates the risk of damage. Additionally, LOLO vehicles compared to the round-trip operations of RORO vessels — which result in more greenhouse emissions. It also retains a larger container capacity, where vast amounts of space on top of the vessel can accommodate more oversized cargo. As such, it reduces handling costs and ensures quicker turnaround times, improving overall port efficiency.
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