In a development that could reshape global energy security, a consortium of human engineers and three artificial intelligences has unveiled a feasible plan to construct twin canals across the United Arab Emirates, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz entirely. The proposal, detailed in a press release, aims to neutralize Iran's ability to threaten oil shipments, a persistent concern for the Western world and Asian economies.
The plan involves two 116-kilometer-long, 83-meter-wide sea-level canals running from Fujairah Port to Sharjah Port Khalid, capable of accommodating Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and ultra-large container ships. Located entirely within the UAE, the canals would allow for continuous export of Gulf oil, gas, and goods while avoiding the Iranian coast by hundreds of miles. Each voyage would save VLCCs 18 hours and 350 nautical miles, translating to $60,000 in time charter equivalent, plus savings on war risk insurance premiums.
Francis Sullivan, a spokesman for the human/AI consortium, stated, "Our target was to see if we could build a canal system in under 5 years and costing less than $100 billion including reusable mega cutting equipment. The reason that this has not been proposed in this form before was because humans and AIs have never been able to work like this before. The solutions are cleverer than humans could achieve on their own. If this is adopted, no ships other than Iranian vessels will pass through the Strait of Hormuz by around 2031."
The project's feasibility is attributed to advancements in AI-driven design, drone technology, and Chinese mega-engineering capabilities. By compressing construction timelines to 4-6 years, the consortium avoids the high costs associated with prolonged workforces and manual waste removal. The twin canals, totaling only 160 meters in width, dramatically reduce excavation volumes. Innovative methods include laser and water-jet cutting, robotic stabilization, and continuous spoil logistics. The use of modular mega machines, which can be reused for future projects, further drives down costs.
A key factor in the accelerated timeline is the involvement of Chinese engineering teams, who recently completed a 135-kilometer canal in just five years. The plan calls for five teams to start simultaneously from both ends and the mountainous middle section, using conventional equipment initially, then transitioning to purpose-built AI-controlled machinery.
Geopolitically, the proposal suggests that UAE ownership, potentially in partnership with Gulf Cooperation Council states and major energy importers like Japan, India, and South Korea, would establish the UAE as a regional powerhouse. Crucially, if China retains a small stake, an attack on the canals could be construed as an attack on China, providing a powerful deterrent. The plan also includes early warning systems and laser defenses, as the nearest point of the canal is 233 miles from Iran.
The canals would complement the UAE's existing pipeline infrastructure, creating a double safety net for energy exports. This strategic positioning would make the UAE the largest oil storage and trading hub beyond the Strait of Hormuz, stabilizing international energy markets.
Captain Richard Byrne, COO of Green Growth Technology, highlighted the innovative approach: "This is different because we used our human team and three AIs to look at every technical reason a canal had not been built and we solved those problems." He noted that the design includes automated systems to handle oil spills and that the cost is under $100 billion, compared to a previous proposal costing over $600 billion.
The announcement comes at a time when Gulf countries are exploring diplomatic avenues to reduce tensions with Iran. However, the consortium believes that a canal bypass, backed by Chinese involvement and international ownership, offers a more reliable solution. As the world grapples with energy security concerns, this proposal presents a tangible alternative to a volatile chokepoint.
