Just to add some the last piece of data: According to https://www.global-climatescope.org/markets/pa/, Electricity prices in Panama (in 2021) were $153/MWh, so the costs for each fill would be about $15,300
That sounds like a lot until you realize the largest ships are charged up to $150,000 for a transit.
A 10% price increase is nothing to scoff at, but it's not outlandish to deal with congestion...
Remember that it's not a single lock ships go through. If I understand correctly, ships are lifted in 3 locks and lowered in another 3. That would make it $45k+.
That sounds like a lot until you realize the largest ships are charged up to $150,000 for a transit.
A 10% price increase is nothing to scoff at, but it's not outlandish to deal with congestion...