A consortium of three American AIs and a human team from the UK has unveiled a viable proposal to build twin canals through the United Arab Emirates, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz and neutralizing Iran's ability to threaten global oil shipments. The plan, costing under $100 billion, would create two 116-kilometer-long, 83-meter-wide sea-level canals running from Fujairah Port to Sharjah Port Khalid, capable of handling Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and ultra-large container ships.
The project addresses long-standing technical, financial, and geopolitical barriers. By leveraging AI-driven design and Chinese mega-engineering capabilities, the consortium claims construction could be completed in four to five years, significantly faster than previous proposals. The design includes AI-controlled mega machines for cutting and laying canals, autonomous geotechnical mapping, and robotic stabilization, reducing waste and construction time by 50-65%.
Francis Sullivan, spokesman for the consortium, emphasized that the collaboration between humans and AIs enabled innovative solutions: "Our target was to see if we could build a canal system in under 5 years and costing less than $100 billion. The solutions are cleverer than humans could achieve on their own." The canals would save each VLCC 18 hours and 350 nautical miles, equivalent to $60,000 in time charter costs, plus insurance war premiums.
Strategically, the canals would make the UAE a regional power, enabling continuous export of Gulf oil, gas, and goods while avoiding Iranian coastal waters by hundreds of miles. The plan also includes a second safety net via the UAE's existing pipeline system. To deter potential attacks, the consortium proposes including China as a builder and partial owner, stipulating that any sabotage would be considered an attack on China. Other countries like Japan, India, and South Korea could participate as stakeholders.
Geopolitically, the project could shift the balance of power in the region. The UAE, already expanding storage facilities in Fujairah, would become the largest oil storage and trading hub outside the Strait of Hormuz. A diplomatic source noted that while the UAE could afford to own and control the canals, involving Gulf states and key customers like South Korea and Japan could offset any perceived loss of influence.
Captain Richard Byrne, COO of Green Growth Technology, highlighted the project's unique features, including an automated oil spill response system and the use of laser and water jet cutting. He stated, "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." The consortium is already negotiating with major power brokers in the Middle East, and funding is not expected to be an issue.
The proposal contrasts sharply with a previous $600 billion plan by Dubai architect Znera. The consortium argues that their approach, using reusable mega machines and existing equipment from day one, is more cost-effective and faster. They also note that China recently built the 134-kilometer Pinglu Canal in four years, demonstrating the feasibility of rapid construction.
While the plan faces challenges, including environmental concerns in the Hajar Mountains and potential Iranian reactions, the consortium believes that once the viability is recognized, a geopolitical consensus will emerge. Captain Byrne concluded, "Once people realise this can be done quickly and affordably, we hope a consensus about maximum geopolitical safety will emerge."
