Barge: A flat-bottomed vessel designed for transporting heavy goods over rivers, canals, and protected waters. Typically, barges lack their own propulsion and are towed or pushed by tugboats. Historically, barges were vital for trade on the Great Lakes and inland waterways, often carrying materials like coal, grain, or timber. Many barges have become shipwrecks, especially in industrial areas, where their remains offer clues about historical trade routes and cargo types.
