The canal waters are actually like 50 meters above sea level so in order to get container ships in they have to drag them into chambers called locks with towing equipment, then wall off the chambers which flood to the appropriate water level. At the other side the boat enters the lock, the water level inside falls to sea level, and the ship sails back out into the ocean.
Waterflow is controlled by floodgates using only the force of gravity and boats are charged by weight, usually paying tens of thousands of dollars per passage. The cheapest passage ever granted went to Richard Haliburton who swam across for 36 cents in the 20s. The Panama Canal only accepts cash and wire transfers because they are badass.
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