Panama City from offshore while we wait our turn

One of the many ships waiting to cross

Bridge of the Americas over the entrance to Balboa Basin

In Balboa Basin approaching the first lock. The locks were placed inland behind a hill to prevent attack from submarine.

First view of Miraflores Locks

Another ship in the left hand lock. They operate independently. We were on the right lane this time.

We approach the lock

Closer

They still use row boats to bring out the lines that will be attached to the locomotives.

Closer still

Ropes are secured to the locomotives so they can keep the ship centered in the lock. Smaller ships are pulled by the locomotives, but large ships like ours use their own engines to move. *

The locks are 110 feet wide. Our ship was 106 feet wide. That is the maximum that is allowed through the canal.

We move into the first chamber. The left lane is filled and the ship has moved forward and been lifted again.

Another ship coming in to the left channel

The doors float when the lock is filled so it takes very little power to move them. They are held closed against each other by water pressure only. There are no pumps. All water moves by gravity.

Moving along

Moving along

Moving along

Still

The ship in the left channel

The ship in the left channel

It is easier to see how things work when you watch another ship.

Moving into the chamber for the second lift

After the lift we will be at lake level

Miraflores Locks Control Building

View of the lake ahead

Miraflores Lake

The ship next to us. Smaller ships can move more quickly. It only takes 8 to 12 minutes to fill or empty a chamber, and uses millions of gallons of water being fed by gravity only. *

Ship in the lock next to us

At Miraflores Lake level