05-07-2009, 04:08 PM
![[Image: 2026_03_11---APL-Malaysia-4-000-TEU-pana...namax+ship]](http://www.freefoto.com/images/2026/03/2026_03_11---APL-Malaysia-4-000-TEU-panamax-ship_web.jpg?&k=APL+Malaysia+4%2C000-TEU+panamax+ship)
"Panamax" ships are of the maximum dimensions that will fit through the locks of the Panama Canal. This size is determined by the dimensions of the lock chambers, and the depth of the water in the canal. An increasing number of ships are built precisely to the Panamax limit, in order to transport the maximum amount of cargo in a single vessel. A lot of bulk merchandise, such as grain products, are moved primarily on Panamax (or sub-Panamax) ships.