Abstract: Skidded loadout is the most common loadout method for deepwater jackets. During the skidded loadout of jackets, it is very important to keep the elevation of the barge skidway as close as possible to that of the fabrication yard skidway. Otherwise, large deflection and shear force will be induced in the jacket. Based on the strength requirements of the jacket, barge and yard skidway, the allowable deflection between barge and yard skidway is analyzed for every step of the jacket skidded loadout operation. Finally, the allowable deflection envelope of barge/yard skidway is produced, which will be the guideline for the development of the ballasting scheme of barge loadout. This research will provide reference for similar jacket skidded loadout projects.