Amongst the sleek superyachts that usually reside at MB92, a rather unusual vessel has recently arrived in La Ciotat. FLIP (FLoating Instrument Platform) may not be the usual clientele but what she lacks in looks, she more than makes up for in personality, with a fascinating history and an ambitious project ahead.
What makes FLIP truly remarkable is its impressive ability to “flip” from a horizontal to a vertical position. This unique design submerges part of its structure, giving it remarkable stability—an essential feature for oceanographic research. At 108 metres long and launched in 1962, FLIP served for over 50 years as a vital tool for advancing our understanding of the oceans, particularly in acoustics.
Decommissioned in 2023, FLIP seemed destined for the scrapyard… until DEEP, an international company specialising in underwater human habitats, stepped in to give it a second lease of life.
This unique project, overseen by Senior Project Manager Christophe Grelier, is now in the hands of the MB92 La Ciotat team. This is no refit but a rebuild, as the work resembles a new-build project more than a standard restoration. The first phase, currently underway, involves a complete strip-down to address the corrosion and fatigue issues typical of a vessel of this age. Next, the superstructures will be redesigned and replaced with lightweight aluminium to optimise weight distribution and improve manoeuvrability during FLIP’s signature transitions between horizontal and vertical positions. Finally, all systems will be redesigned and fully re-installed from scratch.
FLIP is not just a rare challenge—it’s an incredible opportunity to breathe new life into an iconic vessel and extend its legacy of groundbreaking research in support of the marine environment. This project also offers a unique platform to showcase MB92 La Ciotat’s expertise in managing large-scale, highly technical projects.
With work expected to last over a year, there will be plenty more to share about this extraordinary rebuild soon!
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