Huisman AS605X Auto Slip System to Help Automate Drill Floor Activities

28 July 2026
Edited By: Ed Freeman

Huisman’s AS605X Auto Slip system, contracted by Seadrill, automates drill pipe slip handling to cut red-zone personnel exposure and reduce well construction time by up to 2.5 days on a typical 60-day well. (Credit: Huisman)

Huisman has signed a contract with offshore drilling contractor Seadrill for the delivery of an AS605X Auto Slip system, marking another step toward a more automated drill floor. The technology will support Seadrill's drilling operations by helping reduce personnel exposure in the red zone while improving safety, efficiency, and operational consistency.

The AS605X Auto Slip automates the handling of drill pipe slips, reducing the need for manual intervention during critical drilling operations. Its design enables faster, more consistent slip handling and supports smoother drill floor activity in demanding offshore conditions.

The technology is expected to reduce well construction interferences by up to 2.5 days per typical 60-day well, driven by the elimination of insert changes, uninterrupted passage of drilling tools, rapid opening and closing sequences, and the ability to safely close on pipe in rolling and pitching offshore conditions.

In addition, the Huisman Auto Slip system integrates seamlessly with existing rig control systems, enabling straightforward implementation while supporting the industry’s increasing focus on automation and operational consistency.

John Dady, Director of Rig Innovation and Technology at Seadrill, said: “We are excited to be working together with Huisman to deploy these new power slips and fully test their ability to deliver the safety and performance that this new innovative design brings to the drill floor. These slips have the potential to drastically reduce human exposure in the red zone, as well as deliver impressive performance gains. This aligns well with our relentless drive to consistently deliver safe, efficient, and reliable operations.”

A key differentiator of the AS605X is Huisman’s patented roller-based clamping technology, which operates at the optimum point between pipe slipping and pipe crushing. This enables the system to handle extreme loads of up to 1,130 mt while maintaining the integrity of the tubulars.

The Auto Slip features a large stepless clamping range, allowing a complete drill string—including bottom hole assemblies, stabilizers, and centralizers—to be handled without changing inserts. The system can clamp tubulars ranging from 5″ to 9.5″ and open up to 19″, eliminating the need for manual intervention during critical drilling operations.

Ron Agterberg, Sales Manager at Huisman, said: “We are pleased to support Seadrill and share their vision on safety and operational efficiency. The AS605X represents a significant step forward in drill floor automation, combining enhanced safety with measurable efficiency improvements. This contract reflects the industry’s growing demand for technologies that help operators deliver wells faster, safer, and with greater operational consistency.”