A cargo barge is a flat-bottomed boat designed primarily for transporting goods over water. These vessels are often used in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, where they can carry large quantities of cargo, such as coal, grain, or construction materials. Cargo barges are typically pushed or towed by tugboats, as they lack their own means of propulsion. Due to their design, cargo barges can navigate shallow waters and are cost-effective for bulk transport. They play a crucial role in the shipping industry, contributing to the movement of goods between ports and inland destinations, often working in conjunction with larger ships and other vessels like tugboats.