# Lift-On Lift-Off (LOLO) Cargo Handling

*Last updated: 2026-06-25*

> A LOLO operation takes place when cranes – ship-mounted or shore-based gantry cranes – lift containerized or breakbulk cargo vertically out of a vessel's hold and set it down on the quay, truck, or rail wagon.

A LOLO operation takes place when cranes – ship-mounted or shore-based gantry cranes – lift containerized or breakbulk cargo vertically out of a vessel's hold and set it down on the quay, truck, or rail wagon. The method stands in direct contrast to Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo), where wheeled cargo drives on and off under its own power. LOLO is the dominant handling method in global container liner shipping and accommodates virtually any cargo type, including heavy project cargo that cannot be rolled. Port operators invest in ship-to-shore (STS) gantry cranes and mobile harbour cranes to maximize throughput. Cycle time per unit is generally longer than in RoRo, but the ability to handle non-wheeled, oversized, or very heavy loads makes LOLO indispensable across container terminals worldwide.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lift-on/Lift-off](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lift-on/Lift-off)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Lift-On Lift-Off (LOLO) Cargo Handling |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 124 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-25 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lift-on/Lift-off |

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