FLIP Ship Goes Vertical in Water, But Not to Sink

Believe it or not, there are advantages to plunging half a ship into the water.

The Floating Instrument Platform (FLIP) was built back in 1962. Yet it's unique dual-mode configuration remains unique over forty years later. Apparently, literally turning a ship on its head allows it to become an ultra-stable platform for deep sea research. The sunken bow "anchors" itself to the calmer seas below, while the stern becomes an ultra-stable multi-level platform suitable for deploying cranes and research equipment into the water.

FLIP does have one drawback. While it can fill up its entire bow without sinking into the depths, this unique seacraft can't move by itself. It requires to be towed into place before deploying.