How the Water Locks of Panama Canal Work?

One of the major artificial waterways in the world, Panama Canal connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, cutting across the Isthmus of Panama- a narrow strip that separates the Caribbean Sea from the Pacific Ocean.

Completed construction in August 1914, the 77 km-long Panama Canal helps ships sailing between the east and west coasts of the US to shorten their journey by 15,000 km. Similarly, the canal saves up to 3,700 km for vessels transiting between Europe and East Asia.

Currently, the Panama Canal plays a significant role in the US economy since it handles a substantial share of US shipping. In the fiscal year 2017, the