A barge is a flat-bottomed boat or vessel, typically used for transporting goods or materials on inland waterways, such as rivers, canals, and lakes. Barges are designed to carry heavy or bulky cargo, often in bulk, and are usually propelled by towboats, tugboats, or sometimes motors.

They are common in commercial shipping and freight industries, as they can carry large quantities of cargo at a lower cost compared to other forms of transportation like trucks or trains, especially for long-distance waterway transport.

Some key characteristics of barges include:

1. Flat Bottom: This allows them to navigate shallow waters where other boats may not go.
2. Cargo Capacity: They can carry a wide variety of goods, including coal, oil, construction materials, and agricultural products.
3. Low Draft: Since they are flat-bottomed, barges don’t displace much water, making them ideal for areas with shallow or narrow waterways.

Types of Hull: Steel

Gross Tonnage: 50 – 1000