In a move that could significantly alter global energy transit routes, a consortium of seven humans and three AIs has unveiled a detailed proposal to construct two 116-kilometer sea-level canals within the United Arab Emirates, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz entirely. The project, estimated to cost under $100 billion and completed within four to five years, aims to provide a secure alternative for oil and gas exports, sidestepping the Iranian coast and the persistent threat of disruption.
The proposed canals, each 83 meters wide, would run from Fujairah Port to Sharjah Port Khalid, cutting through the Hajar Mountains. This route would save Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) approximately 18 hours and 350 nautical miles per voyage, translating to significant time and cost savings, including reduced war-risk insurance premiums. The proposal also integrates with existing UAE pipeline infrastructure, creating a dual safety net for energy exports.
The project's feasibility is attributed to advanced AI-driven construction techniques and the involvement of Chinese mega-engineering capabilities. The consortium, led by Green Growth Technology, claims that conventional planning made such a canal too expensive and slow, but AI and human collaboration have solved these barriers. Key innovations include AI-controlled modular machinery capable of cutting, disposing of waste, and stabilizing the canal structure, as well as autonomous geotechnical mapping and adaptive routing.
The construction plan involves five teams working simultaneously from both ends and the mountainous middle section, using conventional equipment initially before transitioning to purpose-built Chinese mega-machines. The use of laser and water-jet cutting, along with continuous spoil removal, aims to reduce build time by 50-65% compared to traditional methods. The consortium notes that China recently completed the 134-kilometer Pinglu Canal in four years, demonstrating the feasibility of fast-track mega projects.
Geopolitically, the proposal suggests that Chinese involvement would deter sabotage, as any attack on the canals would be considered an attack on China. The UAE would likely be the lead owner, with potential participation from Gulf Cooperation Council states, major energy importers like Japan, India, and South Korea, and possibly the United States as a strategic partner. The expansion of storage facilities in Fujairah could establish the emirate as a dominant energy trading hub.
Captain Richard Byrne, COO of Green Growth Technology, emphasized that the project is designed to handle the largest tankers and includes automated systems to respond to oil spills instantly. He said, "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." The consortium is currently negotiating with influential Middle Eastern power brokers, and funding is reportedly not an issue.
The proposal also highlights the potential for the UAE to become a regional power, controlling a vital alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. It remains to be seen how Iran will react, given its reliance on the strait for its own oil exports. The consortium suggests that early warning systems and laser defenses would be included to protect the canals, which are located 233 miles from Iran at the closest point.
This project, if realized, could have profound implications for global energy security, reducing the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and shifting the balance of power in the Gulf. The consortium's use of AI to solve complex engineering and geopolitical challenges represents a new paradigm in infrastructure development.
