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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Barge and Vessel?

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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.

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  • What is the Difference Between Barge and Vessel?
  • Comparative Table: Barge vs Vessel

    • 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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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of SĂŁo Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.