what is a barge

A barge is a type of boat that is primarily used to transport goods through rivers, canals, and other inland waterways. They are usually flat-bottomed and do not have their own means of mechanical propulsion, so they are typically pulled by a tow or a tugboat. Barges are often used to transport heavy or bulky cargo, as they can carry up to 1,500 tons. They are also used to transport people and even trash. Barges are different from ships in that they are flat-bottomed and are not self-propelling. The term "barge" has a rich history, and there are many other types of barges.