The iconic floating instrument platform, known as ‘FLIP’ for its unique ability to operate in vertical or horizontal configurations, has been saved from decommissioning and is now in France, where it is being modernized to begin a new phase of its research mission. Masu. . This ship/platform was developed for the U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Research and operated by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography for nearly 50 years.
DEEP, a British subsea design firm that aims to develop underwater human habitats, reports that it acted quickly after learning that FLIP had been decommissioned last year and towed to Mexico for dismantling. DEEP founder and CEO Kristen Tertour assembled a team and sent it to Mexico with instructions: “Save her. Save her.” Don’t come back without her. ”
FLIP is in horizontal position, positioned for movement and research (Scripps Institution of Oceanography photo courtesy of DEEP)
This unique ship (technically a platform) was 355 feet (108 meters) long and was commissioned in 1962 and decommissioned in 2023. The stern may sink and become partially flooded due to a change in the direction of buoyancy. The ship-mounted system is designed to rotate 90 degrees and operate in either configuration. By design, FLIP minimized the effects of ocean swells and provided scientists with an extremely stable and extremely quiet platform for delicate experiments.
Within an hour, we were able to seamlessly transition from a horizontal barge for transportation to a vertical girder platform for stationary operations. To resurface from vertical to horizontal mode, the crew pumps compressed air from the ballast tanks and the stern rises to the surface. They report that with these unique features, the ship has made amazing contributions to marine science.
FLIP rotates 90 degrees to become a stable research platform (Scripps Institution of Oceanography photo courtesy of DEEP)
“FLIP is an iconic research platform. Everyone in the maritime research and engineering community knows her and many have a war story or two. FLIP arrives in European waters I’m very proud to confirm that we did,” Tertour said.
The first task was to transport the decommissioned ship from Mexico to France for repairs. They used a specially designed lift and loaded it onto a heavy-lift vessel for a journey of more than 6,000 miles. The ship is currently at MB92 in La Ciotat, France, undergoing a refurbishment that is expected to take 12 to 18 months.
“I am pleased with DEEP’s decision to revitalize and modernize FLIP, a unique research platform that has served ONR so well over the years,” said Dr. Tom Drake, director of ONR’s Ocean Sensing Battlespace Division. said. “This modernization effort will significantly expand our capabilities in ocean science, observation and exploration, and breathe new life into a ship critical to our mission.”
FLIP was loaded onto a heavy lift vessel for transportation from Mexico to France (DEEP)
The plan calls for removing the 1960s superstructure from the ship and replacing it with lightweight materials and modern technology. This reduces weight and provides a platform for carrying more people and new scientific equipment. DEEP plans to install new sensors and add AUVs to increase its research capabilities.
DEEP emphasizes that FLIP was built in an era of bold engineering and optimism. They are trying to use this for a new generation of research. Plans are to relaunch it in early 2026.
The latest FLIP has been added to the DEEP fleet. This remarkable vessel will be refurbished for modern ocean research and operated by DEEP. FLIP can be flipped from horizontal to vertical position and submerged more than 90 meters in length.#FLIP pic.twitter.com/UKl4m98aOl
— DEEP (@UnumSumusMare) October 23, 2024
