Editing Ship canal (section)

== Definition ==

Ship canals can be distinguished from barge canals, which are intended to carry [[barge]]s and other vessels specifically designed for river and/or canal navigation. Ships capable of navigating large bodies of open water typically have more draft, and are higher above the water than vessels for inland navigation. A ship canal therefore typically offers deeper water and higher bridge clearances than a barge canal suitable for vessels of similar length and width constraints.{{sfn|Finch|1925|p=11}}

Ship canals may be specially constructed from the start to accommodate ships, or less frequently they may be enlarged barge canals or ''canalized '' or [[channel (geography)|channelized rivers]]. There are no specific minimum dimensions for ship canals, with the size being largely dictated by the size of ships in use nearby at the time of construction or enlargement.{{sfn|Engineering News|1897|p=317,320}}

Ship canals may be constructed for a number of reasons, including:

# To create a shortcut and avoid lengthy detours.
# To create a navigable shipping link between two land-locked seas or lakes.
# To provide inland cities with a direct shipping link to the sea.
# To provide an economical alternative to other options.