A consortium of human engineers and artificial intelligences has unveiled a detailed proposal to construct two sea-level canals through the United Arab Emirates, offering a viable alternative to the Strait of Hormuz and neutralizing Iran's ability to threaten global oil shipments. The plan, which would cost under $100 billion and take roughly four years to build, aims to bypass the Iranian coast by hundreds of miles, creating a new maritime corridor from Fujairah Port to Sharjah Port Khalid.
The proposal, developed by Green Growth Technology with assistance from three AIs, addresses the technical, financial, and geopolitical barriers that have hindered previous attempts. By using modular mega-machines, AI-driven construction, and Chinese engineering expertise, the consortium claims it can complete the project in record time and at a fraction of the cost of earlier concepts, such as the Znera proposal estimated at over $600 billion.
Captain Richard Byrne, Chief Commercial Officer of Green Growth Technology, emphasized the strategic importance: "This is a safe passage that saves 18 hours and over 350km, and the clever tech just makes that happen." The twin canals, each 116 kilometers long and 83 meters wide, would handle Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and ultra-large container ships, significantly reducing transit times and war-risk insurance premiums.
The plan includes several innovative features: AI-controlled cutting and laying machinery, autonomous geotechnical mapping, continuous spoil logistics, and robotic stabilization. The system also incorporates an automated oil-spill response mechanism along the entire length of the canals, designed to handle ruptures instantly. The use of reusable mega-machines, built in China, would not only expedite construction but also be available for future global infrastructure projects.
Geopolitically, the proposal suggests that Chinese involvement would deter any attack, as sabotage would be considered an act of war against China. The UAE would likely lead ownership, but the consortium recommends including Gulf Cooperation Council states, key energy importers like Japan and South Korea, and China as builder and protector. This broad coalition would enhance security and ensure the canal's operation as a global energy artery.
The project would also position the UAE as a dominant regional power, potentially making it the world's largest oil storage and trading hub outside the Strait of Hormuz. By combining the new canals with existing pipeline infrastructure, the UAE could ensure continuous export of Gulf oil and gas, independent of Iranian threats.
However, the proposal is not without challenges. The Hajar Mountains, rising over 1,800 meters, pose significant engineering hurdles. The plan calls for five simultaneous construction teams, including one tackling the mountain section with advanced laser and waterjet technologies. Environmental compromises will be necessary, but the consortium argues that the benefits outweigh the costs.
Francis Sullivan, spokesperson for the consortium, highlighted the role of AI in solving complex problems: "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 AIs researched millions of potential solutions and stress-tested every assumption, resulting in a costed and specified plan that is ready for implementation.
The proposal comes at a time when Gulf countries are exploring alternatives to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. The canal would provide a double safety net alongside existing pipelines, ensuring that oil and gas exports continue uninterrupted even if Iran attempts to disrupt shipping.
While the project's feasibility remains to be proven, the consortium is confident. They are already negotiating with influential power brokers in the Middle East, and funding appears to be forthcoming. If adopted, the canals could be operational by 2031, effectively eliminating the need for non-Iranian vessels to traverse the Strait of Hormuz.
As Captain Byrne noted, "Once people realise this can be done quickly and affordably, we hope a consensus about maximum geopolitical safety will emerge." The plan represents a bold vision for the future of energy security, driven by the synergy of human creativity and artificial intelligence.
