--- title: Tailormade Pipe Shuttle Machine Installed on Heidrun TLP Rig description: Future Production’s tailor-made Pipe Shuttle Machine for Heidrun TLP enhances safety and efficiency through autonomous pipe handling. image: https://blog.future-production.no/hubfs/PSM1-web.jpg --- [![FutureProductions_Logo-white](https://blog.future-production.no/hubfs/FutureProductions_Logo-white.svg "FutureProductions_Logo-white")](https://future-production.no/) - [Products](https://future-production.no/products/) - [Highlights](https://future-production.no/highlights/) - [About us](https://future-production.no/about-us/) - [News](https://future-production.no/general-information/) - [Insights](https://blog.future-production.no) - [Contact](https://future-production.no/about-us/contact/) [Non-Productive Time](https://blog.future-production.no/topic/non-productive-time) , [Safety (HSE)](https://blog.future-production.no/topic/safety-hse) # Tailormade Pipe Shuttle Machine Installed on Heidrun TLP Rig [By Øystein Christensen](https://blog.future-production.no/author/øystein-christensen) February 08, 2024 - - - Future Production is proud to have delivered a tailor-made [Pipe Shuttle Machine (PSM)](https://future-production.no/highlights/pipe-shuttle-machine/) for Equinor\`s rig [Heidrun TLP](https://www.equinor.com/no/energi/heidrun). The machine provides [Odfjell Drilling](https://www.odfjelldrilling.com/) with an autonomous setup which greatly increases both operations efficiency and HSE, by reducing hands-on operations on the drill floor.   *Last modified: 23. April 2026* Installed in 2022, this project demonstrates how automation and collaboration can drive measurable improvements in offshore drilling performance.    ![Future Production Pipe Shuttle Machine installed on Equinor’s Heidrun TLP rig – autonomous pipe handling system enhancing safety and efficiency](https://blog.future-production.no/hs-fs/hubfs/PSM1-web.jpg?width=800&height=504&name=PSM1-web.jpg)     ## How the Pipe Shuttle Machine Improves Efficiency and Safety The Pipe Shuttle Machine, a key component of the rig’s pipe handling system, can deliver up to five tubulars per run. Once the unit travels along the pipe deck and ascends to the drill floor at an inclination of nearly 40 degrees, it feeds drill pipes, drill collars, or casing joints from the integrated magazine directly to the elevator. This process eliminates the need for personnel to manually remove protectors, significantly reducing exposure on the drill floor and contributing to safer, faster operations.   You can [see the PSM system in action at the Future Production facilities here.](https://future-production.no/highlights/pipe-shuttle-machine/)   ![Pipe Shuttle Machine at Future Production facility testing magazine feed with drill pipes before installation on Heidrun TLP rig](https://blog.future-production.no/hs-fs/hubfs/FAT%205%20stk%20Drillpipes_web.jpg?width=800&height=970&name=FAT%205%20stk%20Drillpipes_web.jpg)     ## Innovative Features and Technical Highlights Developed and fully tested at Future Production’s facilities, the PSM incorporates several advanced design elements: - Sideways magazine feed for tubulars without protectors. - Flexible handling of riser joints, bottom hole assemblies, and drilling assemblies. - Autonomous operation with minimal human interface. - Modular build for easy installation and maintenance. These features collectively enable faster pipe handling, improved workflow efficiency, and a substantial reduction in hands-on activity during critical phases of operation.     ![Tailor-made Pipe Shuttle Machine handling titan riser joint during operation on Equinor’s Heidrun TLP rig, part of Future Production’s automated pipe handling system.](https://blog.future-production.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Med%20Titan%20Riser_web.jpg?width=800&height=518&name=Med%20Titan%20Riser_web.jpg)     ## Collaborative Effort with Equinor, Odfjell, and Archer Engineering Future Production [secured the contract in 2020](https://future-production.no/set-to-equip-equinor-operated-heidrun-with-new-pipe-shuttle-machine/) and worked closely with Archer Engineering, Odfjell Drilling, and Equinor throughout the design, testing, and commissioning phases. Comprehensive full-scale testing and crew training ensured seamless integration with rig systems and operational routines. Installation began in May 2022, and by June 2022, the machine was fully commissioned and operational.     ![Future Production Pipe Shuttle Machine in inclined position during installation on Equinor’s Heidrun TLP rig, with personnel performing final system checks.](https://blog.future-production.no/hs-fs/hubfs/PSM_Skr%C3%A5posisjon1_web.jpg?width=800&height=854&name=PSM_Skr%C3%A5posisjon1_web.jpg)     ## Results After 20 Months of Operation After 20 months in operation, Odfjell Drilling reports that the Pipe Shuttle Machine has proven highly reliable and effective. Only minor run-in adjustments and expected wear-part replacements were recorded. The system is now an integral part of daily operations on Heidrun TLP, consistently meeting performance expectations and receiving positive feedback from both operators and crew.     ![Full view of Future Production’s Pipe Shuttle Machine installed on Equinor’s Heidrun TLP rig, extending from pipe deck to drill floor for autonomous tubular handling.](https://blog.future-production.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Hele%20maskinen%20med%20exstensions_web.jpg?width=800&height=446&name=Hele%20maskinen%20med%20exstensions_web.jpg)     ## Future Production's Commitment to Offshore Innovation Since its establishment in 1999, Future Production has delivered a wide range of customized offshore equipment, continuously innovating to improve safety, reduce NPT, and enhance operational efficiency. The Heidrun TLP project stands as a strong example of how tailor-made engineering solutions can bring tangible benefits to modern drilling operations.     ## Summary Future Production’s Pipe Shuttle Machine for Equinor’s Heidrun TLP shows how automation and smart design can elevate both efficiency and safety on the drill floor. With positive operational feedback and minimal maintenance needs after 20 months, the system illustrates the value of collaboration and innovation in offshore rig development.     [![Contact us for more information](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/14562745/584f4d71-a362-410d-aa73-9fe3fe463e7d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/14562745/584f4d71-a362-410d-aa73-9fe3fe463e7d) [All posts](https://blog.future-production.no) ###### About Author [Øystein Christensen](https://blog.future-production.no/author/øystein-christensen) With over 37 years of experience within offshore drilling technology, Øystein offers insights that can help you optimise your rig performance. His expertise is to optimize operational design and being able to see beyond standard solutions, understanding the specific infrastructure, conditions and movements of each individual rig. ##### You might also like ![How Optimized Moonpool Handling Systems Drive Efficiency Offshore](https://blog.future-production.no/hubfs/zachary-theodore-guADzpF9pDI-unsplash-3.jpg) [How Optimized Moonpool Handling Systems Drive Efficiency Offshore](https://blog.future-production.no/how-optimized-moonpool-handling-systems-drive-efficiency-offshore) February 08, 2024 ![Standard vs Tailor-Made Moonpool Solutions: What Operators Need to Know](https://blog.future-production.no/hubfs/MoonpoolGuide.jpg) [Standard vs Tailor-Made Moonpool Solutions: What Operators Need to Know](https://blog.future-production.no/standard-vs-tailor-made-moonpool-solutions-what-operators-need-to-know) February 08, 2024 ![How Controlling Lateral Movement Expands Your Weather Window](https://blog.future-production.no/hubfs/Tension%20Ring%20Handling%20Arms%2002_web.jpg) [How Controlling Lateral Movement Expands Your Weather Window](https://blog.future-production.no/how-controlling-lateral-movement-expands-your-weather-window) February 08, 2024 ##### SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT ### Subscribe ##### Subscribe to our blog and stay updated: [![FutureProductions_Logo-white](https://blog.future-production.no/hubfs/FutureProductions_Logo-white.svg "FutureProductions_Logo-white")](https://future-production.no/)   Tailor made products and solutions for the offshore industry. ##### Menu - [Products](https://future-production.no/products/) - [Highlights](https://future-production.no/highlights/) - [About us](https://future-production.no/about-us/) - [News](https://future-production.no/general-information/) - [Insights](https://blog.future-production.no) - [Contact](https://future-production.no/about-us/contact/) ##### Subscibe Want notifications sent directly to your mailbox? - Subscribe ##### Future Production AS Svanedamsveien 10 4621 Kristiansand Norway - Contact HQ: - [Phone: +47 38 00 20 90](Tel:004738002090) - [E-mail: post@f-p.no](mail:post@f-p.no) Future Production AS ©2026. 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