A landing barge (also known as a landing craft) is a flat-bottomed boat or vessel designed to transport vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore without the need for port facilities. These are especially useful in military operations, island logistics, construction projects, and disaster relief missions where traditional docks are unavailable or unsuitable.

🚢 Key Characteristics of a Landing Barge
Feature Description
Flat Bottom Hull Enables beach landings and operation in shallow waters.
Bow Ramp A hinged front ramp allows vehicles and equipment to drive directly on/off the vessel.
Open Deck Provides a large surface area for transporting vehicles, machinery, and bulk cargo.
Robust Construction Built to handle heavy loads and harsh conditions.
Self-Propelled or Towed Some are powered with their own engines; others require a tugboat.

🛠️ Typical Uses
🔹 Military Operations
Troop transport and armored vehicle delivery (e.g., during D-Day WWII landings).

Rapid beachhead establishment without needing a port.

Can be armored or equipped with weapon mounts.

🔹 Civilian and Commercial Use
Island and remote area supply: transporting goods to places with no port infrastructure.

Construction support: delivering heavy equipment to shoreline or riverbank sites.

Emergency/disaster relief: bringing aid, vehicles, and recovery gear to damaged or isolated coastal areas.