The Panama Canal marked its 105 years serving world transit and commerce on the same day that Panama celebrated the 500^th anniversary of the city’s founding.

On August 15, 1914, as nations were engulfed in the start of the first World War the Panama Canal was inaugurated, contributing to shortening shipping time and distance. The first ship to officially transit the waterway was the SS Ancon cargo and passenger vessel, although a test run had been held with a different vessel in January of the same year.

Jorge Luis Quijano, administrator of the Panama Canal said on Twitter that it is an honor to share 105 years with the celebrations for the V Centenary of Panama City.