Abstract: A system includes a top drive system; a drilling riser running tool configured to be deployed by the top drive system; a fluid line configured to run from the top drive system to the drilling riser running tool; and a liquid filing system. The drilling riser running tool includes a tool head module configured to engage and hold a first riser joint at a top end such that with the top drive system above the drilling riser running tool, the first riser joint can be lowered towards a second riser joint being held near a drill floor. The first riser joint includes a central tube and a first auxiliary line. The liquid filling system is configured to provide liquid filling of the first auxiliary line via the fluid line after connection of the first and second riser joints and while the first and second riser joints are being run.

Abstract: A system includes a top drive system; a drilling riser running tool configured to be deployed by the top drive system; a fluid line configured to run from the top drive system to the drilling riser running tool; and a liquid filing system. The drilling riser running tool includes a tool head module configured to engage and hold a first riser joint at a top end such that with the top drive system above the drilling riser running tool, the first riser joint can be lowered towards a second riser joint being held near a drill floor. The first riser joint includes a central tube and a first auxiliary line. The liquid filling system is configured to provide liquid filling of the first auxiliary line via the fluid line after connection of the first and second riser joints and while the first and second riser joints are being run.

Abstract: A drilling riser running system includes a water filling system and a pressure testing system that can fill and pressure test auxiliary lines of the riser system, while simultaneously running a riser joint.

Abstract: A drilling riser running system includes an automated self-aligning system that can detect and correct when two riser joints are not properly aligned prior to contact between the joints. The system can also include a counter-weight load compensating system that can detect contact between riser joints when they are mis-aligned and reduce the effective load to reduce likelihood of damage resulting from the contact.

Abstract: A drilling riser running system includes a water filling system and a pressure testing system that can fill and pressure test auxiliary lines of the riser system, while simultaneously running a riser joint.