Panama: Panama Canal – Agua Clara Canal Locks

Agua Clara locks are the new locks on the Panama Canal that opened in 2016 After the canal expansion. They form a new traffic lane designed to handle larger Neo-Panamax ships (up to about 366m long, 49m wide, with depth up to 15m), which can carry significantly more cargo, compared to the older Panamax ships limited by the original locks. The locks are used to lift ships from the sea level of the Caribbean Sea to the level of the Gatun Lake – about 26m (85 feet) of difference. The ships can travel both directions. The new visitor center at the Agua Clara Locks is now the main attraction of the Panama Canal, offering panoramic views of the locks in operation, Gatún Lake, and passing massive cargo ships.