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Barge carriers are the most recent and the most stophistical ships designed for maritime transportation of unit cargo ; their barges are taken on board by the float on - float off technic. Theorically, these ships may be operated outside seaports ; their barges reach the hinterland without breaking in the cargo flow. However, only 28 ships are in use and very few are on order. The analysis of the twin ports Rotterdam-Antwerp has showed some modifications in the traffic distribution arising from the introduction of this technic. The first lines were operated between highly developped countries, but the interest of the owners goes now to the developping countries, mainly in the Eastern, confronted with port congestion problems. Finally, they observe a redistribution of traffics and a worldwide extension of the technic.