A consortium of three American AIs and a human tech team has unveiled a cost-effective plan for twin sea-level canals across the UAE, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz and potentially reshaping regional energy dynamics by 2031.
LONDON, ENGLAND — A consortium of three American AIs and a human tech team has proposed a viable plan to build two sea-level canals across the United Arab Emirates, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz and neutralizing Iran's ability to threaten global oil shipments. The proposal, which could be operational by 2031, aims to provide a safer, faster, and more economical route for the world's largest oil tankers, according to a press release from Green Growth Technology.
The plan, developed by seven humans and three AIs, calls for two 116-kilometer-long, 83-meter-wide canals running from Fujairah Port to Sharjah Port Khalid, entirely within UAE territory. Each canal would be capable of handling Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and Ultra Large Container Ships. The strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint through which about 20% of global oil passes, has long been a flashpoint for Iranian threats. The consortium claims that the new canals would save each VLCC tanker 18 hours and 350 nautical miles, equivalent to $60,000 in time charter costs, plus significant savings on war risk insurance premiums.
Francis Sullivan, a spokesman for the consortium, stated: "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 in this form before is because humans and AIs have never been able to work like this before. The solutions are cleverer than humans could achieve on their own. If this is adopted, no ships other than Iranian vessels will pass through the Strait of Hormuz by around 2031."
The proposal addresses historical barriers of cost, time, and geopolitical complexity. Traditional plans were deemed too expensive, requiring massive workforces over 15 years and the manual removal of billions of tonnes of waste. This new approach uses AI-controlled mega machinery, drones, and Chinese engineering expertise to cut construction time to 4 years and costs to approximately $85 billion. The use of modular, reusable equipment could also benefit future global projects.
The project would be built in phases, with five teams starting simultaneously from both ends and the mountainous Hajar region. Chinese mega engineering firms, which recently completed the 135-kilometer Pinglu Canal in just 5 years, are seen as key partners. The design includes innovative features such as laser and water jet cutting, autonomous geotechnical mapping, and robotic stabilization. An integrated oil spill response system would ensure rapid cleanup in case of an accident, enhancing safety.
Geopolitically, the UAE would become a dominant energy transit hub, with expanded storage facilities in Fujairah, making it the largest oil storage and trading hub beyond the Strait. The involvement of China as a builder and partial owner would provide a deterrent: any attack on the canals would be considered an attack on China. Other potential partners include Gulf Cooperation Council states, Japan, India, and South Korea, which could share ownership and management.
Captain Richard Byrne, Chief Commercial Officer of Green Growth Technology, emphasized the importance of the AI-human collaboration: "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." He noted that the UAE imports rubble for construction, so waste from the excavation could be reused. The proposal also includes early warning systems and laser defenses, given the canals' closest point to Iran is 233 miles away.
The consortium is in negotiations with influential power brokers in the Middle East, and funding is reportedly not an issue. If realized, the canal system would provide a double safety net alongside the UAE's existing pipeline infrastructure, reducing the ability of regional adversaries to threaten energy transit routes. This could stabilize global oil markets and protect Asian economies that rely heavily on Gulf energy.
The plan presents a stark contrast to a previous proposal by Dubai architect Znera, which would cost over $600 billion. The consortium's approach, costing under $100 billion, could be more palatable to investors and governments. The impact on global shipping and energy security is profound: a safe, efficient bypass of the Strait of Hormuz would diminish Iran's leverage and reshape the balance of power in the Middle East, ensuring a more stable supply of oil to the world.
