When a ship is traveling from New York to San Francisco passes through the panama canal instead of going around southern tip south America how many miles are saved?

The Panama Canal is a 48-mile (77 km) ship canal in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. It is a key conduit for maritime trade, enabling vessels to avoid the lengthy and hazardous Cape Horn route around the southern tip of South America.

The distance between New York and San Francisco via the Panama Canal is approximately 3,500 nautical miles (6,500 km), while the distance around Cape Horn is approximately 13,000 nautical miles (24,000 km). This means that ships save approximately 9,500 nautical miles (17,500 km) by using the Panama Canal.

Here's a breakdown of the distances involved:

- New York to Panama Canal: Approximately 2,000 nautical miles (3,700 km)

- Panama Canal: 48 nautical miles (77 km)

- Panama Canal to San Francisco: Approximately 1,500 nautical miles (2,800 km)

- Total distance via Panama Canal: Approximately 3,500 nautical miles (6,500 km)

- New York to Cape Horn: Approximately 5,000 nautical miles (9,300 km)

- Cape Horn to San Francisco: Approximately 8,000 nautical miles (15,000 km)

- Total distance around Cape Horn: Approximately 13,000 nautical miles (24,000 km)

By taking the Panama Canal route, ships save approximately 9,500 nautical miles (17,500 km), which is a significant reduction in distance and journey time. This has made the Panama Canal one of the most important shipping routes in the world, facilitating global trade and transportation.