A consortium of seven humans and three AIs has developed a detailed proposal for a canal system that would allow Gulf oil and gas exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, eliminating Iran's ability to threaten this critical chokepoint. The plan, which involves constructing two 116-kilometer-long, 83-meter-wide sea-level canals from Fujairah Port to Sharjah Port Khalid entirely within the United Arab Emirates, is designed to handle Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and Ultra Large Container Ships. Each canal would save tankers 18 hours and 350 nautical miles of transit time, equivalent to $60,000 in Time Charter Equivalent, while also reducing insurance war risk premiums.
The proposal addresses the three main barriers that have historically made such a project seem unfeasible: cost, time, and geopolitical complexity. By leveraging AI-driven design and Chinese mega-engineering capabilities, the consortium estimates the project could be completed in under five years at a cost of less than $100 billion, significantly cheaper than the $600 billion price tag of a previous concept by Dubai architect Znera. The use of modular, AI-controlled construction machinery, including laser and water jet cutting systems, would reduce the workforce and construction time dramatically. The plan also includes five teams starting simultaneously from both ends and the mountainous middle section, using conventional equipment initially while the specialized mega-machines are built in China.
Geopolitically, the proposal suggests that involving China as a builder and part-owner would deter any attack on the canals, as such an act would be tantamount to a declaration of war on China. The UAE, as the host nation, would likely take a leading ownership role, potentially alongside Gulf Cooperation Council states and major energy importers like Japan, South Korea, and India. This arrangement would transform the UAE into a regional powerhouse, enhancing its status as an energy storage and trading hub. The canals would complement existing UAE pipeline infrastructure, creating a double safety net for energy exports and reducing the influence of regional adversaries.
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." The design includes automated oil spill response systems, AI-controlled geotechnical mapping, and continuous spoil logistics to manage the 4 billion tonnes of waste, some of which could be repurposed for UAE construction projects. The project also aims to reuse the mega-machines for future global infrastructure projects.
The consortium is currently in discussions with key Middle Eastern power brokers, and funding is reportedly not an issue. The plan includes a phased timeline: Phase 1 (Years 0-2) focuses on building the modular machines, costing $15 billion, while Phase 2 (Years 2-4) involves cutting the corridors at $70 billion, with total costs including facilitation fees at $85 billion. The first operational capability would be achieved in about four years.
The proposal comes amid ongoing tensions with Iran, which has previously threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz. While Iran is partially disarmed, it continues to use the threat of disrupting shipping as leverage. The new canal system would render such threats irrelevant for non-Iranian vessels by 2031. The consortium believes that once the feasibility is widely recognized, a consensus on ownership and control will emerge, possibly involving multiple stakeholders to ensure maximum geopolitical safety. Alternatively, the UAE could proceed alone, positioning itself as the region's dominant transit broker.
