A consortium of three American AIs and a team of human engineers has unveiled a proposal for two 116-kilometer sea-level canals that would bypass the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint through which about a fifth of global oil supplies pass. The plan, which would run from Fujairah Port to Sharjah Port Khalid entirely within the United Arab Emirates, aims to neutralize Iran's ability to threaten shipping and could be operational within four years at a cost of less than $100 billion.
The proposal comes amid persistent tensions with Iran, which, despite being partly disarmed, continues to use the threat of disrupting Hormuz as leverage. The new canals would allow continuous export of Gulf oil, gas, and goods while avoiding Iranian waters by hundreds of miles. Each very large crude carrier (VLCC) would save approximately 18 hours and 350 nautical miles, translating to $60,000 in time charter equivalent, plus reduced insurance war premiums.
Francis Sullivan, a spokesman for the consortium, said, "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 reason that this has not been proposed in this form before was 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 plan addresses previous obstacles: high costs, long timelines, and geopolitical challenges. By using AI-driven design, drones, and Chinese mega engineering, the build time is cut dramatically. The twin canals, each 83 meters wide, reduce construction waste volume. A key innovation is the use of modular, AI-controlled mega machines that can cut, dispose of waste, and line the canals with sealed 'Roman' concrete, with an option for basalt lining. These machines, to be built in China, are reusable for future projects globally.
Construction would begin with five teams using conventional equipment at both ends and in the Hajar Mountains, which rise to 1,800 meters and consist mainly of ophiolite rock. The Chinese partners, who recently built the 134-kilometer Pinglu Canal in 4 years, are expected to provide the mega machines and project management expertise. The total cost is estimated at $85 billion, including $15 billion for the machines and $70 billion for corridor construction.
Geopolitically, the ownership structure is crucial. The UAE would likely lead, but involving Gulf Cooperation Council states, energy importers like Japan, South Korea, and India, and China as builder and protector could enhance stability. If China retains a small interest, any attack on the canals could be seen as an attack on China, deterring aggression. The USA could serve as a strategic defense partner.
The plan also includes advanced safety features, such as automated systems to handle oil spills and early warning and laser defenses, given the canals are 233 miles from Iran. The consortium believes that once the feasibility and speed are recognized, a consensus on ownership will emerge, potentially making the UAE the region's major transit power broker.
