A consortium of three American AIs and an American/UK human tech team has unveiled a viable proposal for a canal system that would bypass the Strait of Hormuz, potentially neutralizing Iran's ability to threaten global oil shipments. The plan, costing under $100 billion and with a construction timeline of four years, involves two 116km sea-level canals, each 83 meters wide, running from Fujairah Port to Sharjah Port Khalid entirely within the UAE.
The proposal comes amid ongoing concerns about Iran's capacity to disrupt shipping through the Strait, despite partial disarmament. The consortium claims the canals would save each Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) 18 hours and 350 nautical miles, equivalent to $60,000 in Time Charter Equivalent, while also eliminating war risk insurance premiums. The twin canals would create a double safety net when combined with the existing UAE pipeline system.
What makes this proposal feasible now, according to the consortium, is the integration of AI and advanced construction techniques. Traditional plans were deemed too expensive and slow, but the use of agentic AIs, drones, and Chinese mega-engineering expertise could compress the timeline dramatically. The plan includes five teams starting simultaneously at both ends and the mountainous middle section, using conventional equipment initially before transitioning to purpose-built AI-controlled mega machines.
The main engineering challenge is the Hajar Mountains, which rise over 1,800 meters and consist of ophiolite rock. The consortium proposes using laser and water jet cutting, as well as zirconia wheels, to carve through the terrain. Waste rock would be crushed and laser-fused for construction use, and the system includes mechanized continuous waste removal.
Geopolitically, the proposal suggests that involving China as a builder and part-owner could deter attacks, as any sabotage would be considered an attack on China. The UAE would be the lead owner, potentially in partnership with Gulf Cooperation Council states, global energy importers like Japan, India, and South Korea, and the USA as a strategic defense partner. The expansion of storage facilities in Fujairah would make the emirate the largest oil storage and trading hub outside the Strait of Hormuz.
Captain Richard Byrne, COO of Green Growth Technology, emphasized the uniqueness of the AI-human collaboration: "Our target was to see if we could build a canal system in under 5 years and costing less than $100 billion including reusable mega cutting equipment. The solutions are cleverer than humans could achieve on their own."
The proposal includes a phased program: Phase 1 involves building modular cutting and laying machines in China at a cost of $15 billion over two years, while Phase 2 involves cutting the two corridors for $70 billion over the subsequent two years, totaling $85 billion including facilitation fees. The first operational capability would be achieved in approximately four years.
The consortium also highlights that the canals would be protected by early warning systems and laser weapons, given that the closest point to Iran is 233 miles away. The plan aims to provide a safe and efficient alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring continuous export of Gulf oil, gas, and goods while avoiding Iranian coastal waters.
Francis Sullivan, a spokesman for the consortium, stated, "If this is adopted, no ships other than Iranian vessels will pass through the Strait of Hormuz by around 2031." The proposal is currently under discussion with key power brokers in the Middle East, and funding is reportedly not an issue.
