A barge-type vessel used to carry cargo between shore and cargo ship While the terms barge and lighter are used interchangeably, a barge usually refers to a vessel used for a long haul, while a lighter is used for a short haul
General name for a broad, flat-bottomed boat used in transporting cargo between a vessel and the shore The distinction between a lighter and a barge is more in the manner of use than in equipment The term "lighter" refers to a short haul, generally in connection with loading and unloading operations of vessels in harbor while the term "barge" is more often used when the cargo is being carried to its destination over a long distance