A collaborative team of three American artificial intelligence systems and a human tech group has developed a viable proposal to construct a canal system bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, potentially neutralizing Iran's ability to threaten global energy shipments. The plan, which involves two 116-kilometer sea-level canals running from Fujairah Port to Sharjah Port Khalid within the UAE, aims to provide a secure alternative route for the world's largest oil tankers.
The canals, each 83 meters wide, would be capable of handling Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and ultra-large container ships, offering significant savings in time and cost. According to the consortium, each vessel would save 18 hours and 350 nautical miles, equivalent to $60,000 in time charter costs, while also avoiding hefty war risk insurance premiums. The project is designed to be completed within five years at a cost estimated at under $100 billion, including the development of reusable mega cutting equipment.
Francis Sullivan, spokesman for the consortium, highlighted the novelty of the approach: "Our target was to see if we could build a canal system in under 5 years and costing less than $100 billion. The reason this has not been proposed before is because humans and AIs have never been able to work like this before." He added that if adopted, the canals could render the Strait of Hormuz obsolete for non-Iranian vessels by around 2031.
The proposal addresses previous barriers of cost, speed, and geopolitical challenges. Conventional plans were deemed too expensive and slow, but the integration of AI-driven design and Chinese mega engineering capabilities promises to cut construction time dramatically. The use of drones, AI-controlled machinery, and modular construction equipment is expected to reduce the workforce duration and waste volume. The Hajar Mountains, a major obstacle, would be tackled with five teams starting simultaneously, using both conventional and advanced laser-fused methods.
Geopolitically, the project would position the UAE as a regional powerhouse, with the canals complementing existing pipeline infrastructure. The consortium suggests involving Gulf Cooperation Council states, key energy importers like Japan, India, and South Korea, and potentially China, whose participation would serve as a deterrent against sabotage. A diplomatic source noted that Chinese involvement would imply that any attack on the canals would be considered an attack on China, adding a layer of security.
The plan also includes provisions for rapid oil spill response and automated monitoring systems, addressing environmental and safety concerns. Captain Richard Byrne, COO of Green Growth Technology, explained, "We designed an automated system along the length of the canals that will deal with a ruptured oil tank instantly." He emphasized the savings: "This is a safe passage that saves 18 hours and over 350km."
Compared to previous proposals, such as the Dubai architect Znera's $600 billion concept, this plan is significantly more cost-effective. The consortium believes that the geopolitical and economic benefits will drive consensus on ownership and management, potentially making the UAE the linchpin of global energy transit security.
