The long-lasting Floating Device Platform, referred to as “FLIP” as a result of its distinctive capability to function in both a vertical or horizontal configuration, has been stored from scrapping and is now in France the place it’s being modernized to start out a brand new segment of its analysis missions. The vessel/platform was once advanced for the U.S. Army’s Place of job of Naval Analysis and operated for almost 50 years through the Scripps Establishment of Oceanography.
UK company DEEP, a subsea design company in the hunt for to broaden underwater human habitats, experiences it acted temporarily after finding out that FLIP have been decommissioned and towed to Mexico remaining yr to be dismantled. DEEP founder and CEO Kristen Tertoole assembled a crew and despatched them to Mexico with the directions, “Save her. Do not come again with out her.”
FLIP is in a horizontal place to be moved and place for its analysis (Scripps Establishment of Oceanography photograph courtesy of DEEP)
The only-of-a-kind vessel (technically a platform) which is 355 toes (108 meters) in duration was once commissioned in 1962 and decommissioned in 2023. It may well be partly flooded to sink the strict and alter the orientation of its buoyancy. Techniques aboard the vessel have been designed to rotate 90 levels and function in both configuration. By way of design, FLIP was once minimally suffering from ocean swells, and it supplied scientists with an extra-stable, extra-quiet platform for delicate experiments.
In lower than an hour, it would transition seamlessly from a horizontal barge for transit right into a vertical spar platform for desk bound operation. To refloat from vertical to horizontal mode, the workforce would pump out the ballast tanks with compressed air, and the vessel’s stern would upward thrust again as much as the outside. The use of those distinctive functions, they file the vessel made wonderful contributions to marine science.
FLIP rotates 90 levels to turn into a secure analysis platform (Scripps Establishment of Oceanography photograph courtesy of DEEP)
“FLIP is an iconic analysis platform – any individual within the maritime analysis or engineering communities is aware of about her, and lots of have a conflict tale or two. We are extremely proud to verify FLIP’s arrival in Eu waters,” stated Tertoole.
The primary problem was once getting the decommissioned vessel from Mexico to France for the refit. They used a specifically designed raise and positioned it on a heavy-lift vessel for the greater than 6,000-mile adventure. The vessel is now at MB92 in Los angeles Ciotat, France for a refit projected to remaining 12 to 18 months.
“I’m extremely joyful through DEEP’s determination to revitalize and modernize FLIP, a singular analysis platform that has served the ONR exceptionally smartly for years,” stated Dr. Tom Drake, ONR Ocean Sensing Battlespace Division director. “This modernization initiative will considerably extend her functions in ocean science, remark, and exploration, respiring new lifestyles right into a vessel that has been essential to our venture.”
FLIP was once loaded aboard a heavy-lift vessel for shipping from Mexico to France (DEEP)
The plan requires putting off the Nineteen Sixties superstructure from the vessel and changing it with lighter-weight fabrics and trendy era. This may scale back weight giving the platform the capability for extra other folks and new clinical apparatus. DEEP plans to put in new sensors and upload AUVs to extend the analysis functions.
DEEP highlights that FLIP was once inbuilt a time of a time of daring engineering and optimism. They appear to harness this in a brand new technology of study. The plan is to relaunch the vessel in early 2026.
Introducing FLIP, the most recent addition to the DEEP fleet! This exceptional vessel goes to be renovated for contemporary oceanic analysis and will likely be operated through DEEP. FLIP can turn from a horizontal to a vertical place, sinking greater than 90 metres of its duration underwater!#FLIP %.twitter.com/UKl4m98aOl— DEEP (@UnumSumusMare) October 23, 2024
