Panama Canal Pictures

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.

Gatun Locks, Closed Gates A set of gates on the Gatun locks, closed since the water level between our chamber and the next chamber to the north is different.

Gatun Locks Opening Now that the water level has dropped in this chamber o fthe Gatun Locks, the doors are opening to let out ship move north into the next lock Chamber. (Gallery: Travel Journals > Costa Rica 12 > Panama Canal Pictures)