Jack-Up Lifting Platform animation

With this animation, Ravestein wants to show that the jack-up platform can be used, among other things, to lift large objects. We performed this animation for, and in collaboration with, Picture Productions

How the jack-up principle works

The Jack-up operating principle, also known as a Jack-up platform or a self-elevating platform, is an ingenious technology used in the offshore industry. This type of platform makes it possible to create temporary structures for activities such as oil and gas exploration, windmill installations and maintenance work in waters with variable depths.

The essential feature of a Jack-up platform is the use of adjustable legs, known as “legs,” that extend from the platform's hull to the sea floor. These legs are attached to hydraulic systems and can move up and down, allowing the platform to be raised above the water surface or lowered to the sea floor.

The Jack-up process starts with transporting the platform to the location on a floating transport ship. Once it has arrived at its intended location, the legs of the Jack-up platform are lowered until they rest firmly on the sea floor. This provides a stable base, similar to the idea of stabilizing a table with adjustable legs on uneven ground.

Once the platform is firmly on the seabed, the legs are further extended using hydraulic systems, raising the entire platform above the water surface. At this elevated position, the platform can operate safely, even in waters with significant waves.

The Jack-up operating principle offers several important advantages. First, it allows the installation of structures at locations with variable water depths because the platform can adapt to different conditions. Second, it enables the mobility of the platform, as it can be moved to new locations for different projects.

This ingenious design has made the Jack-up operating principle a widely used technology in the offshore industry, where it plays a crucial role in facilitating exploration, production and maintenance of offshore installations.

Purpose of this offshore animation

Ravestein is a company that builds pontoons and (jack-up) platforms for, among others, the offshore industry. The company asked us to make an animation of the Skylift 3000, a jack-up platform that can be used to lift a submarine out of the water. After that, the submarine will be transported further by flat pontoon.

This animation shows that 3D is also suitable for the offshore industry. Technical 3D animation also offers many advantages and possibilities for an underwater environment.