The body of water that serves as the primary route for ships traveling from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean is the Panama Canal. This man-made waterway, completed in 1914, significantly shortened the journey between the two oceans, allowing vessels to avoid the long and treacherous route around the southern tip of South America. The canal has considerable economic importance, facilitating international trade and reducing shipping times. It remains one of the greatest engineering achievements of the 20th century, playing a vital role in global commerce.