Ship vs. Barge: What's the Difference?
By Janet White & Harlon Moss || Updated on May 28, 2024
A ship is a large, sea-going vessel used for transporting goods or passengers, while a barge is a flat-bottomed vessel primarily used for transporting goods on rivers and canals.
Key Differences
A ship is designed for deep-sea travel and is equipped with engines and navigation systems to operate in oceans and seas. A barge, on the other hand, is designed for use on inland waterways such as rivers and canals. Barges typically have flat bottoms and are not self-propelled; they rely on tugboats or towboats for movement.
In terms of construction, ships are generally much larger and more robust compared to barges. Ships are engineered to withstand harsh marine conditions, whereas barges have simpler designs due to their usage in calmer, shallow waters.
Ships are often involved in international trade, traversing multiple countries and continents, while barges are more localized, commonly seen in domestic or regional trade. This distinction highlights their roles within the global and local economies.
The loading and unloading processes also differ significantly. Ships usually dock at large ports with extensive facilities, while barges can access smaller docks and even remote locations, thanks to their flexibility and maneuverability in confined spaces.
Comparison Chart
Size
Large, sea-going vessel
Smaller, flat-bottomed vessel
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Propulsion
Self-propelled with engines
Non-self-propelled, towed by tugboats
Usage Area
Oceans and seas
Rivers and canals
Construction
Robust, built for rough marine conditions
Simple, suited for calm, shallow waters
Trade Type
International, long-distance
Domestic, short-distance
Ship and Barge Definitions
Ship
A large vessel for sea travel.
The cargo ship set sail for China yesterday.
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Barge
A boat designed for use in calm, shallow waters.
The barge navigated the narrow canal effortlessly.
Ship
A craft designed for transporting passengers or goods.
The cruise ship offers luxurious amenities for travelers.
Barge
A cargo boat that is usually not self-propelled.
They loaded the barge with construction materials.
Ship
A boat or vessel with substantial size and capacity.
The naval ship is equipped with advanced weaponry.
Barge
A flat-bottomed boat for transporting goods.
The barge carried a load of coal down the river.
Ship
A sea-going vessel propelled by engines or sails.
The fishing ship returned with a huge catch.
Barge
A vessel used primarily on inland waterways.
The barge was towed by a tugboat through the canal.
Ship
A vessel of considerable size for deep-water navigation.
Barge
A long, large, usually flatbottom boat for transporting freight that is generally unpowered and towed or pushed by other craft.
Ship
A sailing vessel having three or more square-rigged masts.
Barge
A large, open pleasure boat used for parties, pageants, or formal ceremonies.
Ship
An aircraft or spacecraft.
Barge
A powerboat reserved for the use of an admiral.
Ship
The crew of one of these vessels.
Barge
To carry by barge.
Ship
One's fortune
When my ship comes in, I'll move to a larger house.
Barge
To move about clumsily.
Ship
To place or receive on board a ship
Shipped the cargo in the hold.
Barge
To intrude or interrupt, especially rudely
Barged into the meeting.
Ship
To cause to be transported; send.
Barge
A large flat-bottomed towed or self-propelled boat used mainly for river and canal transport of heavy goods or bulk cargo.
Ship
(nautical) A water-borne vessel generally larger than a boat.
Barge
A richly decorated ceremonial state vessel propelled by rowers for river processions.
Ship
A vessel which travels through any medium other than across land, such as an airship or spaceship.
Barge
A large flat-bottomed coastal trading vessel having a large spritsail and jib-headed topsail, a fore staysail and a very small mizen, and having leeboards instead of a keel.
Ship
A spaceship (the type of pattern in a cellular automaton).
Barge
One of the boats of a warship having fourteen oars
Ship
A sailing vessel with three or more square-rigged masts.
Barge
The wooden disk in which bread or biscuit is placed on a mess table.
Ship
A dish or utensil (originally fashioned like the hull of a ship) used to hold incense.
Barge
(US) A double-decked passenger or freight vessel, towed by a steamboat.
Ship
(cartomancy) The third card of the Lenormand deck.
Barge
A large omnibus used for excursions.
Ship
(dated) An aircraft.
Barge
To intrude or break through, particularly in an unwelcome or clumsy manner.
Ship
(fandom) A fictional romantic relationship between two characters, either real or themselves fictional, especially one explored in fan fiction.
Barge
(transitive) To push someone.
Ship
(transitive) To send by water-borne transport.
Barge
A pleasure boat; a vessel or boat of state, elegantly furnished and decorated.
Ship
(transitive) To send (a parcel or container) to a recipient (by any means of transport).
To ship freight by railroad
Barge
A large, roomy boat for the conveyance of passengers or goods; as, a ship's barge; a charcoal barge.
Ship
(ambitransitive) To release a product (not necessarily physical) to vendors or customers; to launch.
Our next issue ships early next year.
It compiles? Ship it!
Barge
A large boat used by flag officers.
Ship
(ambitransitive) To engage to serve on board a vessel.
To ship seamen
I shipped on a man-of-war.
Barge
A double-decked passenger or freight vessel, towed by a steamboat.
Ship
(intransitive) To embark on a ship.
Barge
A large omnibus used for excursions.
Ship
To put or secure in its place.
To ship the tiller or rudder
Barge
A flatbottom boat for carrying heavy loads (especially on canals)
Ship
(transitive) To take in (water) over the sides of a vessel.
We were shipping so much water I was sure we would capsize.
Barge
Push one's way;
She barged into the meeting room
Ship
Leave, depart, scram.
Barge
Transport by barge on a body of water
Ship
To pass (from one person to another).
Can you ship me the ketchup?
Barge
A large, flat vessel for heavy loads.
The barge transported the machinery to the factory.
Ship
To go all in.
Ship
(sports) To trade or send a player to another team.
Twins ship Delmon Young to Tigers.
Ship
(rugby) To bungle a kick and give the opposing team possession.
Ship
(fandom) To support or approve of a fictional romantic relationship between two characters, typically in fan fiction or other fandom contexts.
I ship Kirk and Spock in “Star Trek”.
I ship Peggy and Angie in “Marvel's Agent Carter”.
Ship
Pay; reward.
In withholding or abridging of the ship or the hire or the wages of servants.
Ship
Any large seagoing vessel.
Like a stately ship . . . With all her bravery on, and tackle trim,Sails filled, and streamers waving.
Thou, too, sail on, O Ship of State!
Ship
Specifically, a vessel furnished with a bowsprit and three masts (a mainmast, a foremast, and a mizzenmast), each of which is composed of a lower mast, a topmast, and a topgallant mast, and square-rigged on all masts. See Illustation in Appendix.
Ship
A dish or utensil (originally fashioned like the hull of a ship) used to hold incense.
Ship
To put on board of a ship, or vessel of any kind, for transportation; to send by water.
The timber was . . . shipped in the bay of Attalia, from whence it was by sea transported to Pelusium.
Ship
By extension, in commercial usage, to commit to any conveyance for transportation to a distance; as, to ship freight by railroad.
Ship
Hence, to send away; to get rid of.
Ship
To engage or secure for service on board of a ship; as, to ship seamen.
Ship
To receive on board ship; as, to ship a sea.
Ship
To put in its place; as, to ship the tiller or rudder.
Ship
To engage to serve on board of a vessel; as, to ship on a man-of-war.
Ship
To embark on a ship.
Ship
A vessel that carries passengers or freight
Ship
Transport commercially
Ship
Hire for work on a ship
Ship
Go on board
Ship
Travel by ship
Ship
Place on board a ship;
Ship the cargo in the hold of the vessel
Ship
A large watercraft capable of deep-water navigation.
The research ship will explore the Arctic region.
FAQs
Are ships used for passenger transport?
Yes, ships can transport passengers, such as in cruise ships and ferries.
Can a barge travel in the ocean?
Barges are not typically designed for ocean travel due to their flat-bottomed design and lack of propulsion, making them unsuitable for rough waters.
What types of cargo do ships carry?
Ships carry a wide range of cargo, including containers, bulk goods, oil, and vehicles.
What is the main difference between a ship and a barge?
A ship is a large, self-propelled sea-going vessel, while a barge is a flat-bottomed vessel primarily used on rivers and canals, often towed by other boats.
Do barges have engines?
Most barges do not have engines and are towed by tugboats or pushed by towboats.
What powers a barge if it has no engine?
Barges are powered by external forces, usually towed by tugboats or pushed by towboats.
Can ships access small docks?
Due to their size, ships typically require large ports with extensive facilities.
Are there different types of ships?
Yes, there are various types of ships, including cargo ships, tankers, cruise ships, and naval vessels.
What are barges primarily used for?
Barges are used for transporting heavy or bulk goods on inland waterways.
How are ships constructed differently from barges?
Ships are constructed with robust materials and designs to withstand oceanic conditions, while barges have simpler constructions for calmer waters.
Do ships have specific routes?
Yes, ships follow established sea routes, often determined by international shipping lanes.
How are barges loaded and unloaded?
Barges can be loaded and unloaded using cranes and other equipment, often in smaller docks or directly at industrial sites.
What are the advantages of using a barge?
Barges are cost-effective for transporting heavy goods over short distances and can access shallow and narrow waterways.
Can barges transport liquids?
Yes, some barges are designed to transport liquid cargoes like oil or chemicals.
Are barges used internationally?
Barges are mostly used for domestic or regional trade on inland waterways.
Can a barge operate independently?
No, barges generally require assistance from tugboats or towboats to move.
What kind of waterways do ships navigate?
Ships navigate oceans, seas, and sometimes large lakes.
What industries commonly use ships?
Industries such as shipping, tourism (cruises), and defense (naval ships) commonly use ships.
How are barges maneuvered?
Barges are maneuvered by towboats or tugboats which push or pull them.
What distinguishes a ship from other boats?
The large size, capability for long-distance sea travel, and complex navigation and propulsion systems distinguish ships from other boats.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Co-written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
