Shipping routes are the paths that cargo ships take to transport goods across oceans and seas. These routes are carefully planned to ensure efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Factors such as weather conditions, ocean currents, and the locations of ports influence the selection of these routes. Major shipping routes connect key global trade hubs, facilitating international commerce. For example, the Panama Canal allows ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans without navigating around South America. Understanding these routes is essential for businesses and economies that rely on maritime trade.