What is the Difference Between Barge and Vessel?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The key difference between a barge and a vessel lies in their routes and transportation capabilities. Here are the main differences between the two:
- Route: Vessels can move in both inland waterways and international waters, while barges are only seen/move in inland waterways such as rivers and canals.
- Transport Capacity: Barges are designed to transport bulky goods, while vessels can transport both people and goods.
- Propelling Ability: Barges are generally towed by a tugboat, while vessels are often self-propelled.
A barge is a long, spacious, flat-bottomed boat primarily used to transport goods on inland waterways. On the other hand, a vessel is a generic term for any watercraft of considerable size used for transportation, including ships, boats, or submarines. In summary, a barge is a type of vessel specifically designed for transporting cargo on inland waterways, while a vessel can refer to various watercraft capable of transporting people and goods on both inland and international waters.
Comparative Table: Barge vs Vessel
Here is a table comparing the differences between a barge and a vessel:
Feature | Barge | Vessel |
---|---|---|
Definition | A flat-bottomed boat designed for transporting heavy loads along rivers and canals | A self-propelled craft designed for various purposes, such as transportation, fishing, or recreation |
Self-propulsion | Barges are not equipped with a means of self-propulsion | Vessels can be propelled by mechanical means or sails |
Cargo capacity | Barges are typically used for carrying bulk cargo, such as iron ore, coal, and steel scrap | Vessels can carry various types of cargo, passengers, or be used for different purposes |
Navigation | Barges are usually pushed or towed by other vessels | Vessels can navigate independently using their own propulsion systems |
Dimensions | Barges come in various sizes, including standard unit cargo barges (sometimes referred to as LASH—lighter aboard ship—barges) | Vessels can range from small boats to large ships, with a wide variety of sizes and dimensions |
Example uses | Barges are used for transporting cargo along rivers and canals, as well as for carrying cargo on board ships | Vessels can be used for a wide range of purposes, such as transportation, fishing, recreation, and more |
Barges are primarily designed for transporting heavy loads along rivers and canals, while vessels can be self-propelled and serve various purposes, such as transportation, fishing, or recreation.
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