Fuad Yahya May 1, 2020:

I didn't mean to say . . . that you intentionally withheld the information. I answer questions everyday on this website, and what I notice is that most askers simply don't realize the value of telling all. It is like when someone goes to the doctor and neglects to disclose the intermittent nose bleed. It frustrates the doctor, but the patient doesn't mean to be secretive. For us who try to help with KudoZ questions, it is a daily struggle. It is liking pulling teeth, as they say. Eventually, we figure it out, and there is satisfaction in that.

Fahim Hoosen (asker) May 1, 2020:

I wasn’t withhholding information. Why would I do so when I needed to find an answer. It was only during the fruitful discussions and as a result of the running around that it emerged that the type of cargo was relevant. Thanks for your generous assistance.

Fuad Yahya May 1, 2020:

Barge it is, . . . and I would say there is a lesson here. The information about the type of cargo (cement) should have been included in the question.

When you post a question, please be generous with the information you provide. It is an investment that you make in your own question. Withholding critical information helps no one. The dearth of information keeps us going on a wild goose chase for no good reason. In the end, what you receive is no more than tentative guesses based on shreds of information that we try to stitch together like detectives.

For now, at least, it's a barge.

Fahim Hoosen (asker) May 1, 2020:

Yes. I saw the same picture and due to the fact that it has no engine i am inclined to barge. In addition, in the context of the document I am working on, the material being transported is cement. The usage of the word is Kuwaiti.

Fuad Yahya May 1, 2020:

"Barge" crossed my mind. . . . . . when I was researching جنيبة, and I almost posted it as my answer. What tipped me in that direction is the photograph of the shipwreck pulled out of Shatt Al Arab. That shipwreck was referred to as جنيبة. Its shape was closer to a flat, boxy container than to a typical ship or tanker. I kept, researching, however, to be sure I wasn't just guessing. When I finally stumbled on the story with the link that I posted, it saw that the vessel being called جنيبة in that story was a vessel for the transport of fluids, including water. That is when I decided to agree to TargamaT team's answer. I am still not 100% confident, though. "Barge" continues to nag at me because the fragment you quoted in your question states that the vessel was بدون محرك, which is a common feature in barges. On the other hand, the common Arabic term for "barge" is بارجة, and it is a term that is used in Iraq. Take a look here:

http://burathanews.com/arabic/news/65838

So if it were a barge, why didn't they call it بارجة?

Bottom line: You may find it useful to check with the client/agency whether the vessel in question is for the transport of fluids or not. If it is, I would use "tanker." Otherwise, "barge."

Fahim Hoosen (asker) May 1, 2020:

I am inclined to go with the word 'barge'. What do you think?

Fuad Yahya May 1, 2020:

A better link the link I posted below in my comment on targamaT Team's answer doesn't seem to work. Here is what I hope is a better link:

https://alzawraapaper.com/النقل-تكشف-عن-أسباب-رفع-العلم-الأر...