Shipping Lane

A commonly used or formally designated route or corridor for vessel traffic.

The informal phrase can describe a track used regularly by commercial shipping, while formal routeing measures include traffic lanes within a traffic separation scheme, deep-water routes, recommended tracks and two-way routes. Each has charted limits and specific navigational implications.

A shipping lane is not necessarily reserved exclusively for cargo ships or free of crossing traffic and hazards. Mariners must identify whether a formal measure applies, follow the relevant collision rule and charted direction, and maintain lookout and safe speed.