Coal Barge – McApline Locks – Ohio River – Louisville, Kentucky
A coal barge on the Ohio River passing through the McAlpine locks near Louisville, Kentucky and Clarksville Indiana. The Ohio River is a critical transportation route for coal and other commodities in the United States due to its strategic location, access to major markets and cities and navigability. A single tow may consist of 15–40 barges, depending on the river section and towboat power. The Ohio River connects coal mining regions, particularly in Appalachia, to power plants, steel mills, and export terminals. The river connects with the Mississippi River, facilitating coal transport to the Gulf of Mexico and international markets.