Shipping channels are designated waterways that facilitate the safe passage of ships and vessels. These channels are often marked by buoys and navigational aids to guide mariners and help prevent accidents. They can be natural, like rivers and estuaries, or artificial, created through dredging to accommodate larger ships. The depth and width of shipping channels are crucial for maritime trade, as they allow for the efficient movement of goods between ports. Major shipping channels, such as the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal, play vital roles in global commerce by connecting different oceans and reducing travel time for vessels.