Let’s explore famous canals around the world, similar to Vietnam’s “Panama”!
Although often overlooked, canals play a crucial role in the maritime systems of each nation and globally. Especially in the current context, where the world is experiencing many fluctuations, canals serve as vital arteries connecting economic, political, and military centers worldwide.
In Vietnam, recently, the canal connecting the Day River and Ninh Co River in Nam Dinh, valued at 2.3 trillion VND, was officially opened on July 25. The presence of this infrastructure will maximize the efficiency of the project to improve the channel through the Lach Giang estuary (completed and put into use in 2016). Additionally, this canal will allow 2,000-ton loaded and 3,000-ton lighter ships to navigate deeper inland to the Ninh Binh and Ninh Phuc ports, thereby reducing transportation costs, easing the burden on roads, and decreasing environmental pollution…
The canal connecting the Day River and Ninh Co River in Nam Dinh is valued at 2.3 trillion VND. (Photo: Tien Phong).
As of now, there are hundreds of canals worldwide. Here are 5 famous canals around the globe similar to Vietnam’s “Panama.”
1. The oldest canal – Grand Canal
The Grand Canal is one of the longest and oldest transport canals in the world. (Photo: Travel)
The Grand Canal is one of the longest and oldest transport canals in the world, also known as the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. This canal passes through cities and provinces such as Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang… It has played a significant role in the economic and cultural exchange between the northern and southern regions of China. It is estimated that around 100,000 vessels pass through this canal each year. In 2014, the Grand Canal was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. The most utilized canal – Suez
The Suez Canal is one of the most frequently used sea routes in the world. (Photo: Travel)
The Suez Canal was built in 1869. It is one of the most frequently used sea routes globally, stretching 193.5 km. The Suez Canal is a vital transportation route for maritime trade. After its construction, it permanently changed the history of international shipping, allowing vessels to avoid the lengthy journey around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa, shortening the distance by 6,000 km.
3. The most technically challenging canal – Panama
The Panama Canal was constructed over three decades with the labor of many people. (Photo: Travel)
The Panama Canal is an 82 km artificial waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, dividing North and South America. The canal was constructed over three decades through the efforts of many workers. In 1994, the canal was recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of the seven modern engineering wonders. The canal significantly contributes to the economy by reducing shipping costs between the two oceans. In the past, transporting goods from New York to San Francisco required traveling over 22,500 km around the Drake Passage and Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America. Now, thanks to the Panama Canal, the journey only takes 9,500 km.
4. The second longest canal in the world – Erie
When completed in 1825, the Erie Canal was the second longest in the world after the Grand Canal in China. (Photo: Travel)
The Erie Canal is a canal in New York, USA, and is part of the eastern section of the West River, an interstate route of the New York State Canal System (formerly known as the New York State Barge Canal). Completed in 1825, it was the second longest canal in the world (after the Grand Canal in China) and significantly boosted the development and economy of New York City and the United States. The Erie Canal not only sped up transportation but also greatly reduced shipping costs in coastal and inland areas.
5. The busiest artificial canal in Europe – Kiel
The Kiel Canal is considered the busiest artificial waterway in Europe. (Photo: Travel).
Inaugurated in 1895, the Kiel Canal stretches 98 km through the state of Schleswig-Holstein in Germany. This artificial canal brings ships closer to Denmark. The Kiel Canal connects the North Sea with the Baltic Sea, not only shortening the journey by 460 km but also helping vessels avoid difficulties and risks in transporting goods. It is regarded as the busiest artificial waterway in Europe, with an average of 250 vessels passing through the canal each day. It took 8 years and over 9,000 workers to complete the construction of the Kiel Canal.
