Barge

A barge in shipping is a flat-bottomed boat that is designed for transporting cargo on inland waterways, such as rivers, canals, and lakes. Barges are typically towed by tugboats and can be used to transport a wide variety of goods, including bulk commodities like grain, coal, and petroleum, as well as containers and other cargo. 

Barges are often used as an alternative to truck or rail transportation for bulk cargo, as they can be more efficient and cost-effective for certain types of shipments. Barges have a large cargo capacity and can transport goods over long distances without the need for extensive infrastructure or road networks. They can also reduce congestion on highways and minimize environmental impacts associated with truck transportation. 

Barge transportation is an important component of the shipping industry, particularly in regions with extensive inland waterways, such as the United States and Europe. It can offer a safe, reliable, and cost-effective way to move goods and support economic development in these areas.