An entrepreneur and inventor from the United Arab Emirates is working on an ambitious plan to transport a huge iceberg from Antarctica to the Persian Gulf.
The iceberg contains tons of frozen fresh water, which will be like manna from heaven for countries with an arid climate. The UAE has always had problems with fresh water and in the future they are predicted to be even more due to global warming.
Abdullah Al Shehi, head of the National Advisor Bureau, announced his plan with the iceberg back in 2017, and by 2019 all the details of the plan had been carefully processed. It is assumed that the water reserves from one medium iceberg will be enough for the residents of the UAE for 5 years.
The UAE Ministry of Energy denies all such reports, calling them rumors, but Al Shehi holds on to his project and continues to talk about it.
The first idea about the delivery of icebergs from Antarctica to the Middle East appeared back in 1975, when it was proposed by French scientists. However, this plan failed because of technical difficulties. In the 21st century, Al Shehi believes that modern technology solves all old problems.
The first target of the businessman is an iceberg off Hurt Island off the coast of the South Pole. With the help of a special metal tape, the ship will grab him and drag him in tow. On the way (which will take about 10 months), the iceberg will melt and fall apart by itself, but will lose no more than 30%.
Promotional video:
The most difficult problem now is how to keep the iceberg from melting in warm water at the place of arrival. They want to make a test run this year, having worked it out on a small iceberg.
