A consortium of human engineers and artificial intelligences has unveiled a proposal for a canal system that would bypass the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The plan, which would involve constructing two 116-kilometer-long sea-level canals through the United Arab Emirates, aims to neutralize Iran's ability to threaten maritime traffic and could significantly alter the balance of power in the Middle East.
The proposed canals would run from Fujairah Port to Sharjah Port Khalid, each 83 meters wide and capable of accommodating Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs). This route would save each tanker approximately 18 hours and 350 nautical miles of travel, equating to $60,000 in time charter costs, while also eliminating war risk insurance premiums. The project is designed to be completed in under five years at a cost of less than $100 billion, according to Francis Sullivan, a spokesman for the consortium.
The key innovation lies in the use of AI-driven design and construction methods. The consortium, which includes three AIs and a team of human experts, has developed a plan that addresses the technical, financial, and logistical barriers that have thwarted previous proposals. 'The solutions are cleverer than humans could achieve on their own,' Sullivan said. The construction would utilize autonomous geotechnical mapping, multi-face rock attack units, and robotic stabilization, among other advanced technologies. Chinese mega-engineering teams, known for their ability to complete large projects quickly, would be contracted for the build.
The geopolitical implications are profound. By providing an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, the canal would reduce Iran's leverage over global energy markets. 'If this is adopted, no ships other than Iranian vessels will pass through the Strait of Hormuz by around 2031,' Sullivan noted. The UAE, which would own and control the canal, could become the region's dominant energy transit hub, enhancing its status as a stabilizer in international energy distribution.
The proposal also includes provisions for a multi-national ownership structure, potentially involving Gulf Cooperation Council states, key energy importers like Japan, South Korea, and India, as well as China. A unique aspect is that if China retains a small interest, any attack on the canal could be considered an attack on China, providing a strong deterrent. The United States could also play a strategic defense role, given its interests in the region.
Captain Richard Byrne, Chief Commercial Officer of Green Growth Technology, emphasized the practicality of the plan. 'We designed cutting and canal laying systems that are faster. These are mega machines which we have costed and specified and Chinese partners will build very quickly,' he said. The project would also include an automated system to respond to oil spills, ensuring rapid cleanup and minimal disruption.
The consortium is currently in negotiations with influential power brokers in the Middle East, and funding appears to be available. The proposal contrasts sharply with a previous concept by Dubai architect Znera, which would cost over $600 billion. This plan, by comparison, is both faster and more affordable, making it a viable option for securing energy transit routes and reducing regional tensions.
