Abstract: A barge transport system comprises one or several barges and at least one powered push vessel connectable to each of said barges for the transport thereof by pushing. The push vessel as well as each of the barges are provided with means for connecting the push vessel rigidly to a selected barge. The connecting means comprise connection members in the front portion of the push vessel as well as in its stern portion. The connection members in the stern portion of the push vessel are movable in the transverse direction of the push vessel into a mechanically positively locking connection position. The connection members and their counterparts are formed to exert a wedge effect on the connection, thereby minimizing any movement inducing connection clearance between the push vessel and the associated barge.