The geographical feature that allows ships to pass from the Atlantic to the Pacific is the Panama Canal. This artificial waterway, completed in 1914, significantly shortens maritime travel, connecting Panama and facilitating international trade. The canal consists of a series of locks that elevate ships across the Isthmus of Panama. Its creation revolutionized global shipping routes, enabling the efficient transit of goods between the two oceans. The Panama Canal remains a vital economic asset and a marvel of engineering achievement.