Transiting the Panama Canal

2026 Blog Post 5

Our ship in a “lock”. The difference in sea levels between the two locks is visibly substantial.

This voyage was supposed to traverse both Canals. But with Suez ruled out, only the Panama Canal on Tuesday 13th January 2026.

The Frenchman Ferdinand de Lesseps who successfully masterminded building the sea level Suez Canal project, failed in Panama. Malaria, yellow fever, landslides and engineering miscalculations killed over 20 000 workers and drained funds. A sea level canal? Impossible! Together the huge differences in tidal ranges on the Caribbean side average 0.2 metres vs 3. 8 metres on the Pacific side; excavation volume; landslides, precluded a sea level canal. The Americans eventually succeeded through better disease control, disciplined management, leveraging the Panamanian railroad and a different concept: locks and a man-made lake above sea level that releases 200 million liters of water per ship transit to raise and lower ships between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, relying entirely on gravity! Extraordinary engineering feat completed in 1914.  

Now 13,000 to 14,000 ships transit per year. Ships like ours must book the passage about two years in advance. Unbooked transits are risky. Going through the locks with us were two small vessels that had to wait for about two weeks before getting a slot. All transits are expensive!

The ten-hour crossing was a fascinating experience. We gathered in the Observation Lounge on the 11th floor of our ship, Silver Dawn. A retired Panama Canal senior manager, who had previously delivered lectures on the history and development of the Canal, commented each step of the way. He expertly explained, as we approached the 6 locks, how the massive gates open and “lock”, process of the dramatic water level changes. He pointed out aspects of the surrounding, beautiful environment. Words like “Panamax”, the maximum ship dimensions allowed through with only 0.6 metres space on either side; “electric mules” that guide the ship through preventing collisions; “Pilots” the top paid profession in Panama, to whom the Ship’s captain hands over full navigational control of the ship.

Now on the Pacific, en route to Manta in Ecuador, with the tantalizing prospect of an inland excursion to Machu Pichu.

The Silver Dawn’s route from Fort Lauderdale, USA, through the Panama Canal to Lima in Peru
The 2 smaller boats in front of us that had to wait two weeks for a passage.
Locks opening after the water levels have equalised
After the Canal transit, on the Pacific at dusk and only sea! En route to Manta Ecuador