A consortium of human engineers and three artificial intelligences has proposed a viable plan to construct two sea-level canals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that would bypass the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The proposal, which aims to be completed within four years at a cost of under $100 billion, would enable continuous export of Gulf oil, gas, and goods while avoiding the Iranian coast by hundreds of miles, according to a press release issued by the group.
The plan involves building two 116-kilometer-long canals, each 83 meters wide, running from Fujairah Port to Sharjah Port Khalid. These canals would be capable of handling very large crude carriers (VLCCs) and ultra-large container ships, providing a direct route that saves each vessel 18 hours and 350 nautical miles, equivalent to $60,000 in time charter costs, as well as reducing insurance war premiums. The project would create a double safety net alongside the UAE's existing pipeline systems, positioning the UAE as a regional power in energy distribution.
Francis Sullivan, a spokesman for the human/AI consortium, emphasized that the plan overcomes previous barriers that made such a canal seem too expensive, too slow, or unnecessary. "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," he said. "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 consortium includes Captain Richard Byrne, COO of Green Growth Technology, who highlighted the innovative approach: "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." The design incorporates AI-controlled construction machinery, including laser, water jet, and zirconia wheel cutting systems, as well as automated waste removal and robotic stabilization. The project would also involve Chinese mega engineering firms, which recently completed a 135-kilometer canal in five years, demonstrating their ability to meet aggressive timelines.
The geopolitical implications are significant. By involving China as a builder and potential part-owner, the consortium aims to deter any attack on the canals, as such an act would be considered an attack on China. The ownership structure could include Gulf Cooperation Council states, global energy importers like Japan, India, and South Korea, and possibly the United States as a strategic defense partner. The UAE could become the dominant power in the region, with expanded storage facilities in Fujairah making it the largest oil storage and trading hub beyond the Strait of Hormuz.
Captain Byrne noted that the project is different from previous proposals, such as the $600 billion plan by Dubai architect Znera, because it leverages AI to optimize construction processes and reduce costs. "This is a safe passage that saves 18 hours and over 350km and the clever tech just makes that happen," he said. The consortium is already negotiating with key power brokers in the Middle East, and funding is not expected to be an issue.
However, the proposal raises questions about Iran's reaction and the potential for conflict. The consortium has included early warning systems and laser weapons for defense, as the canal would be 233 miles away from Iran at the closest point. "We can do this because we just solve problems," Byrne added, citing previous successes in creating military biofuel and biocoal. "Once people realise this can be done quickly and affordably, we hope a consensus about maximum geopolitical safety will emerge."
If realized, the canal could significantly alter global energy trade routes, reduce the leverage of Iran over oil shipments, and enhance the UAE's strategic importance. The project also showcases the potential of human-AI collaboration in addressing complex infrastructure challenges, setting a precedent for future mega-projects.
