When a major Hollywood production came to Turkey to film critical submarine sequences requiring authentic ballast tank systems, they needed a marine fabrication partner capable of delivering precision-engineered equipment under the demanding constraints of film production schedules. The production team required modular ballast tanks that would not only function authentically for close-up filming but also meet stringent safety requirements for on-set operation with water ballasting systems. Seaway Ship Services was selected to design, fabricate and deliver this specialized equipment, bringing our decades of marine engineering expertise into the unique demands of motion picture production.
The challenge extended beyond standard marine fabrication. Film production requirements demanded equipment that balanced authentic maritime design with practical considerations for camera work, lighting access and rapid reconfiguration between scenes. The modular tank sections needed to be transportable, quickly assembled on location and capable of controlled flooding and draining sequences for realistic submarine dive and surface effects. Additionally, all equipment had to meet safety certifications for use with cast and crew in close proximity, requiring pressure testing, structural integrity validation and protective measures beyond typical marine applications.
Our engineering team approached this project by combining traditional shipbuilding techniques with innovative solutions tailored to entertainment industry needs. We designed a modular ballast tank system featuring individual sections that could be transported separately, assembled rapidly on the film set and reconfigured for different camera angles and scene requirements. Each tank section incorporated mounting points for rigging equipment, access panels for internal camera placement and transparent viewing sections where required for underwater photography. The system included precision-controlled valving for repeatable flooding sequences, overflow protection and emergency drain capabilities meeting on-set safety protocols. Throughout the project, we maintained close coordination with the production's technical directors, naval consultants and safety coordinators to ensure every aspect of the equipment served both cinematic authenticity and operational safety.
