Dave & Marian

Panama Canal Cruise January 2013

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Here we are, first thing in the morning, headed for the Panama canal

Many ships were anchored, waiting for their turn. We cut ahead as we had a reservation. It costs the Cruise Line $25,000 extra for the reservation. Apparently the total fee for us to go through the Canal was about $360,000

Approaching the Gatun Locks on the Atlantic Side

Another Cruise Ship entering the right lock. We will be entering the left lock after the Freighter that is already in it. Notice the Container Ship in front of and above the freighter.

The men in the row boat are there to take the lines to the ship. Sometimes old technology works the best.

Notice the vehicles crossing at the bottom of the lock. There is actually a single lane road across when the lock is closed. It is controlled by traffic lights on either side. Of course, there needs to be a way to get from side to side.

This engine is called a Mule. The ships lines are attached to them. They remain loose as the ship moves under its own power, however the mules ensure that the ship is properly positioned, as there is little room for error.

A Container Ship in the Lock beside us. Due to depth issues, many ships have to drop off part of their cargo on one side, where it is sent across Panama by rail and is waiting for them when they get to the other side.

The Gatun Locks consist of 3 Locks. Here we are, about 85 feet above Sea level and about to enter Gatun Lake.

Gatun Lake is a Man made lake to provide a way across. To the right is a Dam. Now we have a 30 mile trip to the locks on the other side.

This equipment is dredging. See the pipe to take the mud ashore. They are currently building new locks that will take larger ships and significantly increase the Canals capacity. So the canal must be deepened for the larger ships, but also so that the lake can store more water as with the current locks, each time a ship goes through the Canal, 52 million gallons of water that is used to raise then lower the ship are flushed out to sea.

Now entering the Narrow part of the Canal.

Panama is Rain Forest and Mud slides are a constant problem. See how the banks are tiered and bolted to hold them in place.

Run off control is also important.

Some new lock construction.

On the Pacific side there are 2 sets of locks. Traveling to the Pacific as we are doing. First there is the Pedro Miguel Locks which is a single lock, then 1.5 miles past that is the Miraflores Locks which consist of 2 locks. Here we are coming up to the Pedro Miguel Lock.

Ahead of us you can see the Miraflores Locks with 2 Container Ships.

Here they are zoomed in.

Some more New Lock construction.

A Mule at the Miraflores Locks.

Looking back at the locks as we leave.

Ahead of us is the Bridge of Americas, and beyond that is the Pacific Ocean.

And one last look back at the construction as we exit the Canal.