Barges can also be used as large flat-bottomed ships carrying passengers and cargo on canals and rivers. They have no power propulsion device, no self-propelled ability, and are driven by motor boats. It is mainly used for passenger and freight transportation. Barges can be towed by tugs or pushed by push boats alone or in formation.

A barge without power unit and driven by tugboats is mainly used to transport goods (such as coal, yellow sand, oil, wood or grain); Sometimes it also carries passengers, usually towed by tugboats. Barges generally refer to non-self-propelled cargo ships, which can be towed by tugs or pushed by push boats after being used alone or in formation.