Panama Canal Pictures

Gatun Locks Opening Our ship is in the southernmost of the Gatun locks. The water level in this lock has been equalized with the water level in the next lock and the double doors between these two lock chambers are opening to let our ship proceed north. You can see a panamax ship (carrying cars) in the third lock. Only the top half of that ship is visible because the water level in the third lock (northernmost) is being lowered.

Front of a Panamax Ship Passing through the Gatun Locks in the Panama Canal, our ship shared the lock chambers with this ship. This ship, which is as wide as allowed in the canal ewas behind us, so you have a view of its front. Notice the four mules (train engines) pulling the ship forward into the lock. Ships are not allowed to use their owmn power in the locks, they are pulled by these mules, up to eight of them for the largest ships.