How does the Panama Canal shorten voyages around South America?

The Panama Canal shortens voyages between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans by providing a direct passage through the Isthmus of Panama, allowing vessels to bypass the long and arduous journey around Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America.312

Before the canal's completion in 1914, ships traveling between the east and west coasts of the Americas were forced to navigate around South America, a route that added approximately 8,000 nautical miles (about 15,000 km) to their journey and could take up to two months to complete. By utilizing the canal, which spans roughly 50 miles (82 km), these voyages are significantly reduced; for example, a trip between New York City and San Francisco is shortened from approximately 13,000 miles to about 5,200 miles. This strategic shortcut serves as a vital hub for international commerce, saving thousands of miles on various global shipping routes.3124